Basics of Hardware and Software Hardware:- Devices that are required to store and execute (or run) the software. Software:-Collection of instructions that enables a user to interact with the computer. Software is a program that enables a computer to perform a specific task, as opposed to the physical components of the system (hardware).  |
Comparison chart
Hardware versus Software comparison chart | ||
Hardware | Software | |
Definition | Devices that are required to store and execute (or run) the software. | Collection of instructions that enables a user to interact with the computer. Software is a program that enables a computer to perform a specific task, as opposed to the physical components of the system (hardware). |
Types | Input, storage, processing, control, and output devices. | System software, Programming software, and Application software. |
Function | Hardware serve as the delivery system for software solutions. The hardware of a computer is infrequently changed, in comparison with software and data, which are “soft” in the sense that they are readily created, modified, or erased on the comput | To perform the specific task you need to complete. Software is generally not needed to for the hardware to perform its basic level tasks such as turning on and reponding to input. |
Examples | QuickBooks, Adobe Acrobat, Google Chrome, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Apple Maps | |
Inter dependency | Hardware starts functioning once software is loaded. | To deliver its set of instructions, Software is installed on hardware. |
Failure | Hardware failure is random. Hardware does have increasing failure at the last stage. | Software failure is systematic. Software does not have an increasing failure rate. |
Durability | Hardware wears out over time. | Software does not wear out over time. However, bugs are discovered in software as time passes. |
Nature | Hardware is physical in nature. | Software is logical in nature. |
CPU
Central processing unit. Unit that bring the instruction from memory to be executed and decodes.
Input Devices
The main function of the input device is to enter the data in the computer. The various example of input data are a mouse, keyboard, light pen, etc.
Output Devices
Output devices can be viewed in the monitor or you can print it on the paper. And that is why printer and monitor are one of the most common output devices
