Software and hardware cannot function independently without each other. Both hardware and software mutually exists – without software, hardware is of no use and vice-versa. Hardware and software are two main broad category of elements of a computer system. Hardware and software differ from each other in many ways yet are non functional without each other. We need both software and hardware to run a computer and perform different tasks. In this blog, we will understand the difference between hardware and software on the basis of different parameters.
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Table of Contents
Difference Between Hardware and SoftwareWhat is Computer Hardware?Types of HardwareWhat is Software?Types of SoftwareSystem SoftwareApplication SoftwareConclusionLet us learn the difference between hardware and software with this brief comparison table.
Differences between Hardware and Software
Now, let us understand the difference between hardware vs software:
ParameterHardwareSoftwareDefinitionPhysical components of a computer that store and run the software.Set of instructions or programs that tell a computer what to do.NatureTangible. We can see and touch the hardware.Intangible. We can see but cannot touch software.TypesDivided into four categories: Input devices, Output devices, Processing devices, and Storage devices.Divided into two categories, which are System software and Application software.CreationA Hardware engineer physically builds a hardware using electronic components.Software is developed by software engineers using various programming languages.DependencyCannot perform any task without software.Cannot run without hardware.Affect of computer virusesNot affected by computer viruses.Computer viruses are designed to 8ik-affect the software.FailureA hardware failure can occur due to voltage fluctuation, cabling issues, etc.Failure can occur due to virus attacks, bugs, etc.DurabilityOutdated hardware needs to be replaced and cannot be updated virtually.Outdated software can be updated over internet.ReplacementIf damaged or corrupted, we can replace the hardware with a new component.When damaged or corrupted, we can install the software again using a backup copy.+ More 2 RowsWhat is Computer 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’s component that you can physically touch. While laptops and desktop computers have different designs, we can find the same hardware components in them.
Types of Computer Hardware
Input devices: For inputting raw data – Keyboard, Joystick, ScannerProcessing devices: For processing raw data instructions into information. – Graphics Card, ProcessorsOutput devices: To display data and information. – Printer, MonitorStorage devices: For storing data and information. – USB, Solid State Drive (SSD), Hard Disk (HDD), ServersExamples of Computer Hardware
RAMROMCPU (Microprocessor)MotherboardMonitorKeyboardMousePower Supply UnitHard Disk Drive (HDD)Solid State Drive (SSD)Graphics CardPrinterScannerCheck Out the Best Online Courses
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, which are System Software and Application Software
System Software: It is a set of programs that 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)FirmwareDisk formatting softwareApplication 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 browsersProductivity software (word processors and spreadsheetsDatabase software (Microsoft Access)GamesTop Computer Science Interview Questions and Answers for 2023Preparing for a computer science interview? Here are the popular computer science interview questions for freshers and experienced candidatesWhat is the Difference Between HTTP and HTTPS?In this blog, you will understand what are HTTP and HTTPS protocols. We will also explore the difference between HTTP...read moreWhat is Coding: Difference Between Coding And ProgrammingIn this article, you will learn what is coding and what is it used for. We will also discuss the...read moreConclusion
So, we learned that 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.