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Hardware refers to physical computer equipment, while software consists of coded programs that allow users to perform tasks. Both are necessary for a computer system to function properly, and are often designed to work together. Hardware can be touched, while software is not physical but rather programmed instructions.
For people unfamiliar with computer terminology, references to software and hardware can be confusing. The key difference between the two has to do with the role each type of tool plays in the use of a computer system. Basically, hardware is the equipment used to assemble the working computer while software consists of the codes and programs that allow you to perform various tasks using that equipment.
Hardware composes all types of computer equipment and components. This includes the hard drive, monitor and any ancillary devices such as scanners and printers that can be used in conjunction with the system. Devices such as the keyboard, cables and wires, and pen drives are also considered to be part of the hardware family. Remote storage devices such as floppy disks and CDRs are also classified as hardware.
In contrast, software is the programming that provides the roadmap for every function performed on a computer hard drive. Tools in this category would include computer operating systems as well as software programs designed to create spreadsheets, presentations, and even electronic letters, manuscripts, and other word processing documents. Software also includes programs that are loaded onto a hard drive, either by downloading them from the Internet or by using a CD or other data storage device to load the software program onto the system.
The relationship between software and hardware is mutually beneficial. The most efficient software cannot be used without the right hardware. At the same time, fully functional hardware will be useless to most users unless the correct software is loaded onto the hard drive. From this point of view, software and hardware are often designed with this in mind, making sure that different kinds of software and hardware combinations can work properly even if some hardware components are upgraded or replaced over time.
An easy way to remember the difference between software and hardware is to remember that hardware always refers to the physical machines and equipment related to a computer system. The hardware can be touched and moved with ease. In contrast, software is not physical in nature, but is code and instructions that are programmed into a computer hardware system to perform specific tasks. By associating hardware with touch and software with ideas or thoughts, it becomes easy to remember the difference and use the correct appellation when discussing everything from computer chips to antivirus programs.
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