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The Concept of Hardware and Software 3

The document explains the key differences between computer hardware and software. Hardware refers to the physical and mechanical components of a computer system, such as the CPU, keyboard, mouse, and hard disk. Software consists of the instructions and programs that drive the hardware to perform tasks. There are two main types of software: system software, like operating systems, which operate directly on hardware and provide a platform to run other software; and application software, which are designed for users to perform specific tasks like word processing or spreadsheet functions. The document outlines several key differences between hardware and software in terms of their physical nature, design, representation, and categorization.

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Kaku Tanwar
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103 views

The Concept of Hardware and Software 3

The document explains the key differences between computer hardware and software. Hardware refers to the physical and mechanical components of a computer system, such as the CPU, keyboard, mouse, and hard disk. Software consists of the instructions and programs that drive the hardware to perform tasks. There are two main types of software: system software, like operating systems, which operate directly on hardware and provide a platform to run other software; and application software, which are designed for users to perform specific tasks like word processing or spreadsheet functions. The document outlines several key differences between hardware and software in terms of their physical nature, design, representation, and categorization.

Uploaded by

Kaku Tanwar
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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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.
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 It includes physical components of computer system.


collection of
programs to
bring
computer
hardware
system into
operation.

2 It includes It consists of electronic components like ICs, diodes,


numbers, registers, crystals, boards, insulators, etc.
alphabets,
alphanumeri
c symbols,
identifiers,
keywords,
etc.

3 Software Hardware design is based on architectural decisions to


products make it work over a range of environmental conditions and
evolve by time.
adding new
features to
existing
programs to
support
hardware.

4 It will vary as It is mostly constructed for all types of computer systems.


per computer
and its built-in
functions and
programming
language.
5 It is designed The hardware can understand only low-level language or
and machine language.
developed by
experienced
programmers
in high-level
language.

6 It is The hardware works only on binary codes 1’s and 0’s.


represented
in any high-
level
language
such as
BASIC,
COBOL, C,
C++, JAVA,
etc.

7 The software The hardware consists of input devices, output devices,


is memory, etc.
categorized
as operating
system,
utilities,
language
processor,
application
software, etc.
Comuter block diagram

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