Difference Between Hardware and Software- Hardware and software are the two basic components of a computer system. Now let’s learn about the differences between the two.
Difference of Hardware and Software
Hardware
Hardware: Simply put it refers to the physical parts or tangible parts of a computer system that you can touch, see and interact with. Examples include the central processing unit (CPU), memory modules, hard drive, keyboard, monitor, and motherboard.
It provides the physical infrastructure for a computer system to operate. Each hardware component has specific functions such as processing data, storing information, displaying output, and receiving input from users.
It is tangible and can be physically seen, touched, and manipulated. Hardware components are manufactured using various materials such as silicon, metals, plastics, and circuitry.
This is often designed by engineers and manufacturers. Hardware components have specific physical properties such as size, weight, speed, and efficiency. Upgrading or modifying hardware often requires physical intervention or replacement of components.
Examples of hardware components are a computer’s central processing unit (CPU), random access memory (RAM), hard disk drive (HDD), graphics card, monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
Software/Program
It refers to the invisible programs, data, and instructions that tell the hardware how to perform certain tasks. Software includes operating systems, applications, programming languages, and data files.
It enables the hardware to perform specific tasks and provides instructions that control how the hardware components work. The program helps users interact with hardware and perform various activities such as word processing, web browsing, and gaming.
Software is invisible and is a collection of digital data stored on hardware components such as hard drives or memory modules. Software is created through programming and is usually stored in binary format.
It is developed by software engineers and programmers. The programme can be easily modified, updated, or installed on existing hardware systems without physically changing components. Software updates and changes are usually done through downloads or installations.
Examples of software include operating systems (e.g., Windows, macOS, Linux), productivity suites (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Docs), web browsers (e.g., Chrome, Firefox), and media players (e.g., VLC, iTunes ) are present. and video games.
Summary
Hardware and software both depend on each other to function effectively. Kit provides the physical infrastructure needed to run the software, while software uses hardware resources to execute functions and provide functionality.
Without hardware, program cannot run or execute as physical components are required to process data and display output. On the other hand, without software, hardware is limited in its functionality and cannot perform specific tasks or provide useful applications. Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system, while software includes the intangible programs and instructions that enable the hardware to perform specific tasks.