Which of the following is NOT a step in the process of a goal-based agent?

The correct choice indicates that "Install new hardware" is not a step in the process of a goal-based agent. A goal-based agent operates within a framework designed to identify, evaluate, and achieve specific goals. The essential steps involve defining the desired goal state, assessing the current state in relation to that goal, and executing actions to move towards the goal while monitoring progress along the way.

The other options represent crucial components of goal-based agent functionality. Defining the goal state establishes what the agent aims to achieve. Evaluating the current state is necessary to understand where the agent stands in relation to the goal. Executing and monitoring involve taking actions to achieve the goal and ensuring that progress is tracked, allowing for adjustments as necessary. In contrast, installing new hardware falls outside the typical operational framework of a goal-based agent, as it does not pertain to the agent's cognitive processes or methods for reaching its objectives.