A computer System can be classified into software and hardware. In this article, we will learn what is a Hardware? And what is a Software? And How they differ from one another.
Computer hardware includes the physical parts of a computer, such as the case, central processing unit (CPU), random access memory (RAM), monitor, mouse, keyboard, computer data storage, graphics card, sound card, speakers and motherboard.
Software is a set of computer programs and associated documentation and data. This is in contrast to hardware, from which the system is built and which actually performs the work.
By contrast, software is the set of instructions that can be stored and run by hardware. Hardware is so-termed because it is "hard" or rigid with respect to changes, whereas software is "soft" because it is easy to change.
PARAMETERS | HARDWARE | SOFTWARE |
Definition | Hardware refers to the physical component of a computer system.
We can touch a hardware.
| A Software refers to the set of documentation, instructions and functions that makes up a computer system.
We cannot touch software. |
Type | An Hardware consists of several essential components that work together. Majorly the 4 main components are:
Input Devices Output Devices Storage Devices Internal Components
. | Software is made up of two components System Software Application Software
|
Dependency | Software must be present in the Hardware for proper functioning. | Hardware should be present for the proper execution of a task. |
Durability | Hardware needs to be changed or replaced time to time. | Software need not to be changed time to time but there might occur some flaws |
Functioning | Hardware works on Binary codes i.e 0’s and 1’s. | Software uses high level language like C , C#, COBOL. |
Mobility | It can be transferred from one place to another physically but not through network. | Software is not physically mobile but it can be transmitted via network. |
Virus and Failure | Hardware can not be damaged by Virus.
External environment factor such as dust and overheating can lead to hardware failure. | Software can be damaged by viruses.
Overloading, version error are some major reasons for system failure. |
Example | Example of Hardware are
Mouse, Keyboard, RAM, ROM, Printer etc. | Example of Software are
MS Office, Photoshop, Google Chrome etc. |
