The term hardware and software are linked with the computers. Anything that can be touched is called hardware which includes keyboard, mouse, CPU and monitor. Whereas on the other hand that cannot be touched is called software which includes Operating System and different application which are developed by writing code. Computer Software, on a programmable Computer, is the computer program that performs a particular task: a computer can exist in a single form but perform different tasks by using different software. By way of example: A set of knitting needles and a ball of wool is knitting hardware but a knitting pattern is knitting software, if that makes sense.

  1. Difference Between Computer Hardware And Software Maintenance
  2. Difference Between Computer Hardware And Software Definitions

Computer hardware is any physical device used in or with your machine, whereas software is a collection of code installed onto your computer's hard drive. For example, the computer monitor you are using to read this text and the mouse you are using to navigate this web page are computer hardware. The Internet browser that allowed you to visit this page and the operating system that the browser is running on are considered software.

Further information and examples

All software utilizes at least one hardware device to operate. For example, a video game, which is software, uses the computer processor (CPU), memory (RAM), hard drive, and video card to run. Word processing software uses the computer processor, memory, and hard drive to create and save documents.

Hardware is what makes a computer work. A CPU processes information and that information can be stored in RAM or on a hard drive. A sound card can provide sound to speakers, and a video card can provide an image to a monitor. Each of these are examples of hardware components.

Can a computer run without software?

In most situations, yes, a computer can run without software being installed. However, if an operating system or interpreter is not found, it either generates an error or doesn't output any information. A computer needs to have at least some type of operating system that allows both the user and software to interact with the computer hardware.

Installing programs onto the computer in addition to an operating system gives the computer additional capabilities. For example, a word processor is not required, but it allows you to create documents and letters.

Can a computer run without hardware?

Most computers require at least a display,hard drive, keyboard, memory, motherboard, processor, power supply, and video card to function properly.

Note

A computer like a thin client and server could be set up to run without a display, keyboard, or hard drive.

If any of these devices are missing or malfunctioning, 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.

Difference Between Computer Hardware And Software Maintenance

Tip

Hardware that is not required by the computer is referred to as a peripheral.

Additional information

  • See the software and hardware definitions for further information and related terms.
  • See the hardware listing and software listing for a complete listing of hardware devices and software programs currently found on Computer Hope.

You may have heard the words hardware and software before and wondered what the difference was. The hardware is all the tangible computer equipment, such as the keyboard and mouse. The software is what makes the hardware work or lets you get things done, such as writing documents with Microsoft Word or playing a Solitaire game.

Think of computer hardware as being like your television set and the shows that you watch as being like the software.

Hardware you’ll find on your computer

The hardware on your computer consists of

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  • A central processing unit (CPU), which is the very small, very high-tech semiconductor chip that acts as the brains of your computer. The CPU is stored in a computer tower along with the other nuts and bolts of your computer.

  • A monitor, which displays images on its screen, such as the Microsoft Windows desktop or a document in a software program.

  • A keyboard, which is similar to a typewriter keyboard. In addition to typing words, you can use a keyboard to give the computer commands.

  • A mouse, which you also use to give your computer commands. You move the mouse around your desk with your hand, which moves a pointer around on-screen. Using this pointer, you can click items like buttons that cause an action or click the screen and drag the mouse to select text or an object to perform an action on it (such as deleting it or making the text bold).

  • Peripherals, such as a printer, speakers, webcams, and microphones. These items may or may not come with your computer when you buy it, but your computer does come with slots (called ports) where you plug in various peripherals.

Software that runs stuff on your computer

Software (also known as programs or applications) is installed on your computer hard drive, which resides in the computer casing (either in your laptop or, for a desktop computer, in the computer tower).

Here are a few basics about software:

Difference Between Computer Hardware And Software Definitions

  • You use software to get your work done, run entertainment programs, and browse the Internet. For example, Quicken is a financial management program you can use to balance your checkbook or keep track of your home inventory for insurance purposes.

  • Some programs come preinstalled on your computer; you can buy and install other programs as you need them. For example, there is always an operating system on a computer, because it runs all the other programs.

    Some programs are included with your operating system, such as Solitaire, an electronic version of the old favorite card game, which comes with Windows 10. Skype, a program that enables you to make online phone calls using your computer, is a popular program that you can find on the Internet and install on your computer yourself.

  • You canuninstall programs you no longer need. Uninstalling unwanted programs helps to free up some space on your computer, which helps it perform better.

  • Some software programs called utilities exist to keep your computer in shape. An antivirus program is an example of a utility used to spot and erase computer viruses from your system. Your operating system (such as, Windows 10 Home Premium, which also includes some utilities, like the Windows Defender program. Windows Defender protects your computer from unwanted intrusion by malicious programs called spyware.