Where does the operating system and software come from, if not from the CPU? Is computer software just an illusion being experienced by a computer?
Computer operating systems, CPUs,and software are expressions of consciousness. In fact, all technology is an expression of consciousness.
I assume you believe that the software and operating system are also separate from the CPU and memory they are running on?
Well, when you go to the store, can you buy software and operating systems independent of CPUs and memory? Sure, they're different.
Oh, so is that how you see our "cosciousness," just software running on a computer, and the computer being (eventually, far in the future) swappable?
Basically, yes. I think the body is one of potentially many suitable vessels for consciousness. I really have no idea how this would work in practice, but I've had experiences of my consciousness transcending my body, albeit briefly.
Although, I wouldn't call consciousness just some ordinary brand of software. I don't necessarily believe, for example, that there is something analogous to a software creator that created consciousness outside of consciousness itself.