The Unbreakable Bond of Hardware and Software
Technicians or those who are not well versed with the knowledge of computing, use the terms “hardware” and “software” very often and even switch them around. But that’s not how it is. Both terms represent separate entities and aid us in using the digital products. So the question arises, what is the difference between the two?
Hardware: An Integrative Piece of Technology
In layman’s terms, hardware includes components that can physically be seen and touch. It is a case of the machine and a part of the computer self. It consists of the following:
Internal Components: Included in internal components are the items located inside the case of the computer: Central Processing Unit (CPU) also known as the brain of the device, RAM also called temporary storage, hard drives for saving purposes, and motherboards which are attachments that hold the device together.
Peripheral Devices: Monitors, keyboards, mice, scanners, and printers are peripheral devices, which are external connections to the computer.
The best part about hardware is, it can be created and assembled physically. There are limitations to the life span of hardware as it can be worn out.
Software: A Set of Command Definitions
Software refers to the intangible space comprising the instructions, data, and programs that tell a computer’s hardware what to perform; the mind or soul of computers. This is in the form of codes pure i.e. language understood by computers. Software includes:
Operating System: the first software to manage all the hardware and software resources of a computer. Windows, macOS, and Linux are examples.
Application software: This is a program created for various applications, such as word processors (e.g. Microsoft Word), web browsers (for example, Google Chrome), games, and image editors (such as Adobe Photoshop).
Software is programmed and copied, licensed, and updated like anything else. It does not wear out. Bugs, viruses, and obsolescence can create problems.
Key differences summarized.
Feature Hardware Software
Nature Tangible physical components Intangible set of instructions
Interaction Can be touched and seen Cannot be physically touched or seen
Durability Subject to wear and tear, has a lifespan Cannot be physically touched or seen
Examples CPU, monitor, keyboard, hard drive Operating systems, applications, programs
Function Provides the physical platform Tells the hardware what to do
Interdependent Relationship
Though discrete, hardware and software are interdependent on each other. Hardware is useless without software directing it; in the same way, software is worthless without hardware on which to run. These are like two sides of a coin, complementing each other to build an experience that we call computing.
Actually, hardware is but a physical medium, while software is its intelligence as well as functionality. Thus, it is very important to understand the difference between these two most basic components, for a person navigating the cyberspace.
