Abu Zar Mishwani
Hardware or Computer Hardware:
Hardware refers to the physical and touchable parts of the computer. These are the main electronic components that make up a computer. Computer hardware is made up of interconnected electronic devices that can be used to control the functioning, input, and output of a computer.
Storage Devices, monitors, printers, processors, keyboards, and the Mouse are the most common examples of Hardware.
Software or Computer Software:
Software is a set of instructions that instructs the Hardware how to perform its functions. Software is often called a computer program. The majority of software must be installed on the physical disk before being utilized. However, some can be loaded directly into memory from the storage media.
Software instructions are written in a computer language, then translated into machine code and executed by the computer.
There are two types of software:
- System Software
- Application Software
System Software:
A collection of programs that operate and control a computer system is known as system software. One or more of the following tasks can be performed by system software:
- Supports the development of different software applications.
- Supports the operation of other software applications.
- Monitors how well certain hardware resources are being used.
- Control the process of peripheral devices by communicating with them.
System software consists of operating systems, device drivers, and language processors.
Application Software:
Application software is a type of software that can be used to accomplish a wide range of tasks. It isn’t restricted to a single function. It helps in the solving of real-world problems.
Enterprise software, accounting software, office suites, graphics software, media players, and much more are examples of application software.
Difference Between Hardware & Software
| Hardware | Software |
|---|---|
| Hardware refers to the computer's physical components that are required to store and execute software. | Software instructions tell the computer what to do, when to do, and how to do. |
| It's physical. | It's logical. |
| Hardware only understands Binary Data or digits, i.e., 0s and 1s in the form of voltage. | Software tells the Hardware everything in the form of Binary Data or digits, i.e., 0s and 1s only. |
| When software is loaded, the Hardware begins to work. | The software that makes the computer work includes the programs that run on the Hardware, such as Windows or Mac. |
| Hardware faults are physical. | Software faults are logical. |
| It is made at a factory. | It is designed and developed by a programmer. |
| Without software, Hardware cannot execute any task. | Without Hardware, the software cannot run. |
| Computer viruses do not affect Hardware. | Computer viruses affect software. |
| Hardware cannot be electrically transmitted from one location to another across a network. | The software can be electrically transferred over a network from one place to another. |
| Damaged Hardware can be replaced with new Hardware. | If the software is corrupted, it can be reinstalled from a backup copy. |
| It's designed to work with a wide range of computer systems. | Depending on the machine, its built-in functionalities, and the programming language used, it will vary. |
| Only binary codes (1 and 0) are supported by the Hardware. | It can be written in any high-level language, including BASIC, COBOL, C, C++, JAVA, etc. |
| Input, storage, processing, output, and communication devices are the different types of Hardware. | System and Application software are the types of software. |
| LED, Printer, Hard Disk, Scanners, Video Card, Routers, Modems, Mouse, and Keyboard are the most common examples of Hardware. | Windows 11, Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, PDF Viewer, Games, and much more are great software examples. |