A computer system is divided into two categories: Hardware and Software. Hardware refers to the physical and visible components of the system such as a monitor, CPU, keyboard and mouse.Software, on the other hand, refers to a set of instructions which enable the hardware to perform a specific set of tasks. The software must be installed in the hardware to function properly and similarly, the hardware must be present for the tasks to be performed. Both are interdependent, yet they are also different from each other.
This article will bring you the important difference between hardware and software which will be helpful for computer awareness sections of multiple government exams.
Check the post on computer knowledge for more information on computer awareness.
Aspirants can also gain more information on computers by reading articles linked below. These will help in understanding the difference between hardware and software with more clarity.
Differences between Hardware and Software
| Hardware | Software |
Hardware is further divided into four main categories:- Input Devices
- Output Devices
- Secondary Storage Devices
- Internal Components
| Software is further divided into two main categories:- Application Software
- System Software
|
| Developed using electronic and other materials | Developed writing using instructions using a programming language |
| When damaged, it can be replaced with a new component | When damaged it can be installed once more using a backup copy |
| Hardware is physical in nature and hence one can touch and see hardware | The software cannot be physically touched but still can be used and seen |
| Hardware cannot be infected by Viruses | The software can be infected by Viruses |
| Hardware will physically wear out over time | Software does not wear out but it can be affected by bugs and glitches |
| An example of Hardware is hard drives, monitors, CPU, scanners, printers etc. | An example of software is Windows 10, Adobe Photoshop, Google Chrome etc. |
Read more about the terms used in the table above from the articles mentioned below:
- Computer Virus
- Difference Between Virus and Malware
- Microsoft Windows
Candidates can check important Computer software and hardware questions on the given link to practice and prepare well.
Both Hardware and Software are covered under the Science and Technology segment of the UPSC Exam. To learn about the topics in this segment, aspirants can refer to the following links.
Aspirants can find more Difference Between Articles, by visiting the linked page
Frequently Asked Questions about Software and Hardware
Q1
What is an example of Software?
Software is the programs and routines for a computer or the program material for an electronic device which make it run. An example of software is Excel or Windows or iTunes. Word processing programs and Internet browsers are examples of software.
Q2
What is the example of a hardware?
Hardware refers to the physical elements of a computer. Also referred to as the machinery or the equipment of the computer. Examples of hardware in a computer are the keyboard, the monitor, the mouse and the processing unit However, most of a computer’s hardware cannot be seen; It’s inside the computer case.
Q3
What is the effect of virus on Hardware and Software?
Hardware is not affected by computer viruses whereas Software gets majorly impacted by the viruses.
Q4
How many types of hardware are there?
Hardware is mainly classified into four main categories that are input devices, output devices, storage, and internal components.
Q5
What are the different types of software?
It is mainly of two types that is System software and Application software.
For more UPSC Exam related preparation materials visit the following links given below:
UPSC Preparation:
FAQs
Hardware refers to the physical and visible components of the system such as a monitor, CPU, keyboard and mouse. Software, on the other hand, refers to a set of instructions which enable the hardware to perform a specific set of tasks.
What is the difference between the hardware and the software? ›
Hardware is the physical parts that make up a computer such as a keyboard, and monitor. Software is the programs that run on a computer in order for you to use it. These are programs like Ms Word, and Photoshop.
What is the difference between hardware and software PDF? ›
Hardware executes the instructions contained in software. 4. Software consists of sets (or sequences) of instructions that are executed by a computer. the physical components in a computer system can be removed and placed in another computer system.
What statement best describes the difference between software and hardware? ›
The correct statement that describes this difference is: Computer software is developed by writing a program using programming language whereas computer hardware is made up of the physical components such as memory modules and disk drives.
What is software in detail? ›
Software comprises the entire set of programs, procedures, and routines associated with the operation of a computer system. The term was coined to differentiate these instructions from hardware—i.e., the physical components of a computer system.
What is an example of software? ›
A list of some of the most well-known computer software examples includes: Operating systems (such as Microsoft Windows, Linux, macOS) Productivity Software (for example, Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) Internet Browsers (including Firefox, Chrome, and Safari)
What is the use of hardware and software? ›
Hardware vs. software
Hardware refers to the computer's tangible components or delivery systems that store and run the written instructions provided by the software. The software is the intangible part of the device that lets the user interact with the hardware and command it to perform specific tasks.
What is the difference between computer hardware and software quizlet? ›
Hardware is the physical parts of the computer system - the parts that you can touch and see. A motherboard, a CPU, a keyboard and a monitor are all items of hardware. Software is a collection of instructions that can be 'run' on a computer. These instructions tell the computer what to do.
What is the difference between software and hardware in education? ›
What is the difference between software and hardware approaches to educational technology? Ans: Hardware has its origin in physical sciences and applied engineering. Whereas software from behavioral sciences and their applied aspects concerning psychology of learning.
Can hardware work without software? ›
The hardware and software of the computer are interconnected with each other. In other words, hardware cannot function without the software. As it requires supporting software to run. Hence, it is important to have the relevant software installed on the hardware to get the job done.
Computer manufacturers usually develop the system software as an integral part of the computer. The primary responsibility of this software is to create an interface between the computer hardware they manufacture and the end user.
What is an example of a hardware? ›
Ans: Computer hardware alludes to the actual parts of a computer. These are the essential electronic devices used to develop the computer. Examples of computer hardware- motherboard, memory devices, printer, keyboard, mouse, monitor and the Central Processing Unit.
What is the main difference between hardware and software? ›
Hardware is any element of a computer that's physical. This includes things like monitors, keyboards, and also the insides of devices, like microchips and hard drives. Software is anything that tells hardware what to do and how to do it, including computer programs and apps on your phone.
Which is more important, software or hardware? ›
In summary, hardware and software are both essential components of a computer system. Hardware provides the physical infrastructure that enables software to run, while software provides the instructions that tell the hardware what to do. Without either of them, a computer would not be able to function properly.
Is hardware more expensive than software? ›
Contrary to popular belief, software is more expensive to produce than hardware. A major factor in that is the labor cost. While there are no material expenses in creating a piece of software for business, it actually takes software developers hours of hard work to develop a single program on the software.
What is hardware with an example? ›
Ans: Computer hardware alludes to the actual parts of a computer. These are the essential electronic devices used to develop the computer. Examples of computer hardware- motherboard, memory devices, printer, keyboard, mouse, monitor and the Central Processing Unit.
Is printer a hardware or software? ›
Printer is a hardware device that accepts text and graphic output from a computer and transfers the information to paper. Similarly, Web Browser is a type of software that allows us to find and view websites.
Is RAM hardware or software? ›
Random access memory (RAM) is the hardware in a computing device that provides temporary storage for the operating system (OS), software programs and any other data in current use so they're quickly available to the device's processor.
