What is computer hardware and software with example?

The concept of hardware and software is explained in detail below −

Índice Show

Hardware Components
System Software
Application Software
Computer Hardware Basics
External hardware
Internal hardware
Computer Software Basics

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.

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 −

Sr.No.	Software	Hardware
1	It is a collection of programs to bring computer hardware system into operation.	It includes physical components of computer system.
2	It includes numbers, alphabets, alphanumeric symbols, identifiers, keywords, etc.	It consists of electronic components like ICs, diodes, registers, crystals, boards, insulators, etc.
3	Software products evolve by adding new features to existing programs to support hardware.	Hardware design is based on architectural decisions to make it work over a range of environmental conditions and time.
4	It will vary as per computer and its built-in functions and programming language.	It is mostly constructed for all types of computer systems.
5	It is designed and developed by experienced programmers in high-level language.	The hardware can understand only low-level language or machine language.
6	It is represented in any high-level language such as BASIC, COBOL, C, C++, JAVA, etc.	The hardware works only on binary codes 1’s and 0’s.
7	The software is categorized as operating system, utilities, language processor, application software, etc.	The hardware consists of input devices, output devices, memory, etc.

computer_concepts_introduction_to_computer.htm

As facile as this question might be in this day and age, it’s good to know the main differences even if many might think they’re too obvious to mention. Computer hardware is any physical device used in or with your machine, whereas software is a collection of codes installed onto your computer’s hard drive. For instance, the computer monitor you’re currently using to read this text and the mouse you’re using to navigate this web page is computer hardware. The Internet browser that allowed you to visit this page and the operating system that the browser is running on is considered software.

All software uses at least one hardware device to run. Take for example, a video game, which is software; it uses the computer processor (CPU), memory (RAM), hard drive, and video card to work. Word processing software uses the computer processor, memory, and hard drive to generate and save documents.

In a computer, hardware is what makes a computer work. A CPU processes data and that information can be stored in RAM or on a hard drive. A sound card can offer sound to speakers and a video card can provide an image to a monitor. All of this is hardware.

Can a computer run without hardware?

This all depends on the hardware in question. Most computers require at least a display, hard drive, keyboard, memory, motherboard, processor, power supply, and video card to properly function.

If any of these devices are absent or faulty, an error is encountered, or the computer will not start. Adding hardware such as a disc drive (e.g. CD-ROM or DVD), modem, mouse, network card, printer, sound card, or speakers are not required, but give the computer additional functionality.

On that same computer, software can be installed and let a person interact with the hardware. Operating Systems, like Windows or macOS, are software and they provide a graphical interface for people to use the computer and other software on the computer. A person can create documents and pictures using the right software.

Can a computer run without software?

In most situations, yes, a computer can operate without software being installed. Nevertheless, if an operating system or interpreter is not found on the computer, it either generates an error or doesn’t output any information.
Installing programs onto the computer along with an operating system gives the computer supplementary capacities. For example, a word processor is not required, but it allows you to create documents as well as letters.

Indubitably, we live in an age of information technology. Software is a program or set of programs that perform some specific operations. It’s good to know that there are two types of software:

1. System Software
2. Application Software

System software is a part of operating System which interface with the hardware for specific operation. Drivers, IDE, firmware and so on, are the example of System Software. On the other hand, Application Software is for augmentation of computing, and it is based on need of users.

What’s the importance of software?

Imagine trying to survive without a phone and internet for an entire day. The mere thought of it possibly suggests what’s virtually impossible in this day and age. From the moment we wake up, we start our day with an alarm clock application, and soon after checking social networking sites and emails after whilst sipping on our morning dose of caffeine.

Software is developed as a means to enhance our lives. For example, by using an e-commerce website, we are able to save money and time. Then there are many simulators which are also the kind of software which is used to test before any physical implementation. Therefore, the importance of software is in our everyday life is one that cannot be overlooked. With an ever-evolving world of technology, and services like the cloud computing, users don’t even need to download software to their computers. They can simply run programs directly from the cloud with minimal installation.

If you would like to find out more about software development in Malta, contact AIS Software today.

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Unit 7. Evolution of computers

Click play on the following audio player to listen along as you read this section.

Computer Hardware Basics

– any physical device or equipment used in or with a computer system (anything you can see and touch).

External hardware

External hardware devices (peripherals) – any hardware device that is located outside the computer.
– a piece of hardware device which is used to enter information to a computer for processing.
Examples: keyboard, mouse, trackpad (or touchpad), touchscreen, joystick, microphone, light pen, webcam, speech input, etc.
– a piece of hardware device that receives information from a computer.
Examples: monitor, printer, scanner, speaker, display screen (tablet, smartphone …), projector, head phone, etc.

Internal hardware

Internal hardware devices (or internal hardware components) – any piece of hardware device that is located inside the computer.
Examples: CPU, hard disk drive, ROM, RAM, etc.

Computer Software Basics

– a set of instructions or programs that tells a computer what to do or how to perform a specific task (computer software runs on hardware).
Main types of software – systems software and application software.

– a computer program that provides users with tools to accomplish a specific task.
Examples of application software: word processing, spreadsheets, presentation, database management, Internet browsers, email programs, media players, accounting, pronunciation, translation, desktop publishing, enterprise, etc.

– it is designed to run a computer’s hardware and application software, and make the computer system available for use. It serves as the interface between hardware, application software, and the user.

Main functions of system software – allocating system resources, managing storage space, storing and retrieval of files, providing security, etc.
Main types of systems software – operating system, device driver, utility software, programming software, etc.

– a software that controls and coordinates the computer hardware devices and runs other software and applications on a computer. It is the main part of system software and a computer will not function without it.

Main functions of an operating system – booting the computer, managing system resources (CPU, memory, storage devices, printer, etc.), managing files, handling input and output, executing and providing services for application software, etc.
Examples of operating system: Microsoft Windows, Apple iOS, Android OS, macOS, Linux, etc.

– a software program that is designed to control a particular hardware device that is attached to a computer.

The main purpose of device driver – it acts as a translator between the hardware device and operating systems or applications that use it.
It instructs computer on how to communicate with the device by translating the operating system’s instructions into a language that a device can understand in order to perform the necessary task.
Examples of device driver: printer driver, display driver, USB driver, sound card driver, motherboard driver, ROM driver, etc.

– a type of system software that helps set up, analyze, configure, strengthen, maintain a computer and performs a very specific task (e.g. antivirus software, backup software, memory tester, screen saver, etc.).

any physical device or equipment used in or with a computer system (anything you can see and touch).

any hardware device that is located outside the computer.

a piece of hardware device which is used to enter information to a computer for processing.

a piece of hardware device that receives information from a computer.

any piece of hardware device that is located inside the computer.

a set of instructions or programs that tells a computer what to do or how to perform a specific task (computer software runs on hardware).

a computer program that provides users with tools to accomplish a specific task.

it is designed to run a computer's hardware and application software, and make the computer system available for use. It serves as the interface between hardware, application software, and the user.

a software that controls and coordinates the computer hardware devices and runs other software and applications on a computer. It is the main part of system software and a computer will not function without it.

a software program that is designed to control a particular hardware device that is attached to a computer.

a type of system software that helps set up, analyze, configure, strengthen, maintain a computer and performs a very specific task (e.g. antivirus software, backup software, memory tester, screen saver, etc.).