Differentiation between hardware and software

The difference between hardware and software is an idea that seems to be too easy for some users. However the difference between software and hardware might be a tough thing for some users. The hardware and software are the main components of the system and therefore one is nothing without others. For dummies this difference is very hard to judge. The situation becomes ever worse if the user is not at all tech savvy. It is therefore advised to all the users to go through this tutorial so that the main differences are distinguished. It is also advised to read the differences carefully so that the in the future there is no need to do so. Once this tutorial has been read then the question that what is the difference between hardware and software will be answered automatically.

Part 1 What is computer hardware?

Computer hardware is the collection that constitutes the physical components of the system. The main components which make up the system are processor, monitor, mouse, keyboard and the list goes on. In order to distinguish the hardware the point that is to be noted that these things are tangible. The hardware is made in line with the requirements of the software. It is only the combination of the hardware as well as software which make up a good system. Von Neumann Architecture is the main document that details the hardware components of the system. This document was written and published in the year 1945. It details each and every component that forms the basis of the hardware system. Due to outlandish details that are submitted by the Von Neumann the performance of the system is often limited to a great extent. The main part of the hardware is considered to be as main board. This consists of the CPU, RAM, Chip Set, ROM, buses, video cards and CMOS battery. These components are all important for the system and therefore they are the one which form the basis of the computer system that is under consideration. In addition to the internal or built n devices the portable devices are also considered under the same category. It is one of those ideas that have transformed the vision of the users. The hardware is a term that has evolved into a brand and therefore used very commonly. Hardware upgrade is also an idea that is related to the phenomenon. It means that the hardware is replaced to increase the effectiveness of the system. For any user to distinguish the hardware there are certain points that are to be considered for sure. These points are detailed as below.

Main points

1. The physical components of the computer are known as hardware. It is actually a collective term which has a wide meaning now.
2. The hardware is always tangible and therefore user can touch, see and feel the hardware.
3. Physical materials are used to make up the hardware which again means that the user can touch see and feel it.
4. Hardware is never effected by the viruses that mostly effect the software.
5. The hardware damage is something that can be replaced with a new one.
6. The electronic transfer of the hardware is not possible. For instance the hardware is never transferred in form of signals.
7. The making of the duplicate copies of the hardware is not possible by the user on its own.

Part 2 What is computer software?

As compared to the hardware the software is the set of instructions that make the hardware work. The data and the related components that are available on the hard drive are also considered the same. It is one of the most used phenomenons. It is an idea that has again transformed the user’s vision. The software is a term which is too vast now.

From the operating system to the simple USB driver the software covers it all. The software can be distinguished into different levels which makes the understanding easy. At the very low level the software sends the instructions to the processor which is the hardware. The processor in return performs the tasks that are directed to it. Again it is the combination of the hardware as well as the software which makes a computer system. There are several types of software programs into which the idea has been split. The main software programs that are commonly used are as follows:

1. Application software.
2. System software.
3. Malicious software such as malware and the virus.

The domain and the execution of the software is also a complex task. It is therefore not easy for the users to distinguish it. Some of the executions that are done are described as below:

1. Desktop applications
2. Java script
3. Server software
4. Plug-ins
5. Embedded programs
6. Microcode

With the software program comes the idea of the development. This makes the idea too complex for a layman. From coding to execution of the program a complete chain is there which makes the idea too difficult to understand. Those who study the idea completely are known as software engineers.

Main points

Some of the points that are related to the software are as follows:

1. Software is a set of instructions that is given to the processor.
2. The software is intangible, it cannot be seen or touched.
3. The programming language is a tool that is used to make the software.
4. In case of software damage it can be replaced with an identical copy.
5. Software is effected by malicious programs such as viruses and malware.
6. The electronic transfer of the software in form of packets is possible.
7. The copies of the software can be made without any issue and trouble unlike hardware.

Both hardware and software are important for the system. It is not possible for any of them to work without other. The user should therefore consider maintaining both for the optimal performance of the system. The user should also go through this tutorial to get a deep insight into the subject.