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LAST UPDATED: JANUARY 9, 2023

Difference between Hardware and Software

Hardware and software are both important components of a computer system. Hardware components include the central processing unit (CPU), mouse, storage, and other physical components of a computer. Software components are a set of instructions that we store and run on our hardware. They join forces to form a computer.

It's crucial to comprehend the hardware and software components if you're new to computer science. This is where every computer science journey begins.

Difference between Hardware and Software

Software vs. Hardware

A collection of programs and processes that conduct activities on a computer is referred to as software. Software is a set of instructions that affect the state of the hardware in a computer. There are three kinds of software in general:

  • Software for the system

  • Software for programming

  • Software for applications

Software is generally the first thing that springs to mind when you think about computer science. What developers truly code is software. After that, the apps are installed on a hard disk.

Anything physically attached to a computer is referred to as hardware. Your monitor, printer, mouse, and hard disk, for example, are all physical components.

Hardware and software are in constant communication with one another. The software "tells" the hardware certain duties to complete, and the hardware allows them to be done.

Software that is stored and executed on physical hardware All of us can interact with a computer thanks to a collection of coded instructions.

Comparison Table Between Hardware and Software

Following are the differences between Hardware and Software.

Hardware Software
  • It serves as a delivery method.
  • Carries out specific responsibilities
  • Monitors, printers, scanners, label printers, routers, and hard drives are all examples of computer hardware.
  • Adobe Photoshop, Google Chrome, Microsoft Excel, and Spotify are some of the most popular software programs.
  • When software is loaded, the hardware starts to work.
  • Hardware must be installed before software may be used.
  • Over time, hardware will deteriorate.
  • Although the software does not wear out, it is susceptible to errors and becoming obsolete.

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About the author:
Adarsh Kumar Singh is a technology writer with a passion for coding and programming. With years of experience in the technical field, he has established a reputation as a knowledgeable and insightful writer on a range of technical topics.