What is the Difference Between Hardware and Software?
A computer system is divided into hardware and software. Hardware is a physical component of the system which includes CPU, monitor, mouse and keyboard. Software is a set of instructions that allows the hardware to perform specific tasks. Software is required to be installed within the hardware to function properly.
Software and hardware cannot function independently without each other. Hardware and software mutually exist – hardware is useless and vice-versa without software. They are the two main broad categories of elements of a computer system. Hardware and software differ in many ways yet are non-functional without each other. We need software and hardware to run a computer and perform different tasks.
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Differences between Hardware and Software
Now, let us understand the difference between software and hardware in computer:
| Parameter | Hardware | Software |
| Definition | Physical components of a computer that store and run the software. | Set of instructions or programs that tell a computer what to do. |
| Nature | Tangible. We can see and touch the hardware. | Intangible. We can see but cannot touch software. |
| Types | Divided into four categories: Input devices, Output devices, Processing devices, and Storage devices. | Divided into two categories, which are System software and Application software. |
| Creation | A Hardware engineer physically builds a hardware using electronic components. | Software is developed by software engineers using various programming languages. |
| Dependency | Cannot perform any task without software. | It cannot run without hardware. |
| Affect of computer viruses | Not affected by computer viruses. | Computer viruses are designed to 8ik-affect the software. |
| Failure | A hardware failure can occur due to voltage fluctuation, cabling issues, etc. | Failure can occur due to virus attacks, bugs, etc. |
| Durability | Outdated hardware needs to be replaced and cannot be updated virtually. | Outdated software can be updated over the Internet. |
| Replacement | We can replace the hardware with a new component if damaged or corrupted. | When damaged or corrupted, we can install the software again using a backup copy. |
| Transferability | It cannot be shared over the Internet. Need to be physically transferred from one system to another or from one location to another. | It can be easily transferred over the network virtually. |
| Example | Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse, CPU, Hard disk, RAM, etc. | MS Word, Excel, SQL, Photoshop, Google Chrome, etc. |
What is Hardware?
Computer hardware represents the physical components that a computer requires to function. It is the tangible component that is connected physically with the computer.
Hardware includes the keyboard, mouse, graphics card, sound card, speakers, motherboard, central processing unit (CPU), and every other computer component that you can physically touch. While laptops and desktop computers have different designs, we can find the same hardware components.
Types of Computer Hardware
- Input devices: For inputting raw data – Keyboard, Joystick, Scanner
- Processing devices: For processing raw data instructions into information. – Graphics Card, Processors
- Output devices: To display data and information. – Printer, Monitor
- Storage devices: For storing data and information. – USB, Solid State Drive (SSD), Hard Disk (HDD), Servers
Examples of Computer Hardware
- RAM
- ROM
- CPU (Microprocessor)
- Motherboard
- Monitor
- Keyboard
- Mouse
- Power Supply Unit
- Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
- Solid State Drive (SSD)
- Graphics Card
- Printer
- Scanner
What is Software?
Software is a set of instructions that we store and run on computer hardware. It is the intangible part of the computer system. The software enables to perform certain tasks through the computer hardware. Any program that runs on a computer is an example of software.
Types of Software
There are two main types of software: System Software and Application Software.
System Software: A set of programs enables the hardware to function. This software controls the operations of computer hardware. It acts as the platform for other application programs to run correctly. It also makes the computer’s operation faster, more effective, and more secure.
Examples of System Software
- Operating system (OS)
- Firmware
- Disk formatting software
Application Software: Application Software is a program or application that has a specific purpose and allows users to accomplish a specific goal. Also known as an application package, application software acts as a mediator between the system software and the end-user.
Examples of Application Software
- Web browsers
- Productivity software (word processors and spreadsheets
- Database software (Microsoft Access)
- Games
Conclusion
So, we learned what is hardware and software and the difference between both of them. Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer. Software is a set of instructions given to a computer to perform a specific task. We also explored the examples of both.
Hardware requires software to function properly. Similarly, software needs hardware to perform tasks. Both are essential for the proper functioning of a computer system.
FAQs
What is hardware with examples?
Hardware refers to the physical parts that a computer requires to function. It includes the tangible components that can be seen and touched. Examples of hardware include the keyboard, monitor, mouse, and central processing unit (CPU).
What is software with examples?
Software refers to the set of instructions, programs, and routines that tell a computer what to do. Computer software enables users to operate a computer and execute specific tasks. There are two types of software namely system software and application software. Examples of software include operating systems, web browsers, and word processors.
How do hardware and software work together?
Hardware and software together form a computer system. They both require each other to function properly. For performing a certain task, the software will require compatible hardware. The coordination between the two is necessary to perform any task and produce a useful output.
Can I run hardware without software?
No, you cannot run hardware without software. Software is a set of instructions that tells the hardware what to do. Without software, the hardware would not be able to function.
How are software and hardware related?
Software is stored in hardware in the form of magnetic domains on a hard drive or floppy disc or as low and high voltages in computer chips.
What is the purpose of software in computers?
Without computer software, computer hardware is nearly useless. The programs required to complete the input, processing, output, storage, and control activities of information systems are software.
What are 5 differences between hardware and software?
- Hardware is tangible, meaning it has a physical form that can be touched, such as a keyboard or monitor. On the other hand, software is intangible, existing only as digital information and cannot be physically touched. It consists of programs and data.
- Hardware performs physical actions, like processing data or displaying information whereas software provides instructions that guide the hardware on what tasks to perform.
- Hardware deteriorates over time due to physical wear and tear. However, software doesn't physically degrade but can become outdated as technology advances.
- Hardware often requires physical replacement when it breaks or becomes obsolete. On the other hand, software can usually be updated or replaced through digital downloads.
- Hardware includes components like keyboards, mice, monitors, and hard drives whereas software encompasses operating systems, applications, games, and word processors.
Jaya is a writer with an experience of over 5 years in content creation and marketing. Her writing style is versatile since she likes to write as per the requirement of the domain. She has worked on Technology, Fina... Read Full Bio
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