5 Differences Between Hardware and Software
Computer hardware and software are two different parts of a computer system. Hardware is a physical component and software is an instruction set.
A computer can’t function without either of these components. Hardware can wear out over time and may be susceptible to viruses, flaws and glitches. Software on the other hand, cannot wear out but can be prone to bugs and glitches.
1. Hardware is Physical
Generally speaking, hardware refers to a physical object that can be touched. For instance, the monitor you’re reading this on or the mouse you use to navigate around a website are both examples of computer hardware. Software, on the other hand, is a set of instructions that tells the hardware what to do.
Hardware components can be physically damaged, which means that they may need to be replaced. This can be done by replacing the hardware component with a new one or by installing the original software again.
Computer hardware is comprised of various types of parts, including internal components like the motherboard and processor, and external devices such as the keyboard, monitor, mouse, and printer. Hardware also includes the system software that powers the hardware, and the application software that allows users to interact with the hardware. Hardware can be affected by dust, overheating, humidity, and overloading, but it is not affected by viruses. Viruses, on the other hand, can damage computer software. This can cause the software to stop working, but it can be fixed by reinstalling the software.
2. Software is Virtual
Unlike hardware, software cannot be physically seen and touched. It is a collection of programming code that runs on a computer system to perform a task. It is stored in digital medium disks like CD and DVD. Examples of software include operating systems, utility software and word processing programs.
Although a computer can run without software, it would be very useless. In order for a computer to function, it needs both hardware and software to operate properly. Hardware includes all the physical components that make up a computer system such as monitors, keyboards, and CPUs. Software, on the other hand, is a set of instructions that tells hardware what to do.
Software can be damaged by viruses and other malware, but it is easily replaced with a backup copy. Hardware can also be damaged by overheating, dust and other factors. It can be divided into four categories namely, Input devices, Output storage and internal components. It can also be categorized into two types, System Software and Application software. It can be transferred from one place to another electrically through a network.
3. Software is Easy to Change
Computer hardware is the physical and visible components of a computer system. It includes monitor, keyboard, mouse, cables, motherboard, processor and memory devices. On the other hand, software is a set of instructions that tells the hardware how to perform a task. Examples of computer software include Microsoft Word, internet browsers and Photoshop.
One of the main differences between hardware and software is that software is easier to change than hardware. During the development process, it is important for engineers to be able to change code quickly so that they can adapt to changes in requirements. This is why it is important to have a clear separation between software and hardware so that each can be changed independently of the other.
However, despite being easier to change than hardware, software can still face problems such as bugs and glitches. These problems can be caused by various factors including physical factors, overheating, programming errors, and incorrect input. It is also worth noting that while hardware can be fixed using software, software cannot be replaced or reinstalled like hardware can be.
4. Software is More Expensive
The physical components that make up a computer system are referred to as hardware, while the programs and data that run on these hardware components are called software. Some examples of software include word processors, web browsers, games, and operating systems.
The main difference between hardware and software is that hardware is tangible and can be seen, while software is intangible and cannot be physically touched. Another major difference is that hardware can be replaced or upgraded, while software can only be reinstalled. Hardware is also more expensive than software.
Computer software is divided into two categories: systems software and application software. System software is the foundation that empowers all other programs to function. It includes a program that allows you to connect to a printer, for example. Application software, on the other hand, is an individual program that can be used to perform a specific task. Some common application software includes video players, word processors, and Internet browsers.
5. Software is Interdependent
Hardware and software are interdependent, as the computer cannot function without either. Hardware is the physical components of the computer that you can touch and see, such as a monitor, keyboard, mouse and video card. Software is a set of instructions that tells the hardware what to do. The computer cannot perform any tasks without software.
The hardware depends on the software to do its job, and the software relies on the hardware for the data it uses. Software can be affected by viruses, which are programs that infect a computer to cause it to do things that the virus author intended the program to do. Other causes of software failure include overloading, systematic error and major-minor version errors.
In short, the difference between hardware and software is that hardware is tangible while software is intangible. The primary functions of a computer system are handled by the hardware, while the software provides the directions for more complicated tasks to be performed. The software can be divided into two types: system and application software. The former includes the operating systems and language processors while the latter consists of applications like MS Office, AutoCAD, and MATLAB.
