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
Let 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:
| 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. | 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| Durability | Outdated hardware needs to be replaced and cannot be updated virtually. | Outdated software can be updated over internet. |
| Replacement | If 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 Rows |
What 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, 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
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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)
- 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 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.
