9/23/21, 3:47 PM Concept of Hardware and Software
Concept of Hardware and Software
The concept of hardware and software is explained in detail below −
Hardware
The term hardware refers to mechanical device that makes up computer. Computer hardware
consists of interconnected electronic devices that we can use to control computer’s operation,
input and output. Examples of hardware are CPU, keyboard, mouse, hard disk, etc.
Hardware Components
Computer hardware is a collection of several components working together. Some parts are
essential and others are added advantages. Computer hardware is made up of CPU and
peripherals as shown in image below.
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9/23/21, 3:47 PM Concept of Hardware and Software
Software
A set of instructions that drives computer to do stipulated tasks is called a program. Software
instructions are programmed in a computer language, translated into machine language, and
executed by computer. Software can be categorized into two types −
System software
Application software
System Software
System software operates directly on hardware devices of computer. It provides a platform to
run an application. It provides and supports user functionality. Examples of system software
include operating systems such as Windows, Linux, Unix, etc.
Application Software
An application software is designed for benefit of users to perform one or more tasks. Examples
of application software include Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Oracle, etc.
Differences between Software and Hardware are sorted out below −
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9/23/21, 3:47 PM Concept of Hardware and Software
Sr.No. Software Hardware
It is a collection of programs to bring computer It includes physical
1 hardware system into operation. components of computer
system.
It includes numbers, alphabets, alphanumeric It consists of electronic
symbols, identifiers, keywords, etc. components like ICs, diodes,
2
registers, crystals, boards,
insulators, etc.
Software products evolve by adding new features Hardware design is based on
to existing programs to support hardware. architectural decisions to make
3 it work over a range of
environmental conditions and
time.
It will vary as per computer and its built-in functions It is mostly constructed for all
4
and programming language. types of computer systems.
It is designed and developed by experienced The hardware can understand
5 programmers in high-level language. only low-level language or
machine language.
The hardware works only on
binary codes 1’s and 0’s.
It is represented in any high-level language such as
6
BASIC, COBOL, C, C++, JAVA, etc.
The software is categorized as operating system, The hardware consists of input
7 utilities, language processor, application software, devices, output devices,
etc. memory, etc.
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