A computer system is made of two broad categories of components: hardware and software. Hardware refers to the physical, tangible parts of a computer that we can see and touch, such as the keyboard, mouse, monitor, CPU and printer. Software refers to the set of programs and instructions that tell the hardware what to do and how to do it. Without hardware, software has no place to run, and without software, hardware is nothing more than an expensive collection of metal and plastic. The two work together like the body and the mind of the computer.
The relationship between hardware and software is best understood with an analogy. A television set is hardware, while the programme being broadcast is software. The screen and speakers cannot work by themselves, and the programme needs a television to be seen. In the same way, a computer system needs both physical devices and logical instructions to perform useful work. This chapter explains hardware and software in detail, the difference between them, the types of software, and the various input and output devices that make up a computer system.
Hardware includes all the physical components of a computer that can be touched, seen and felt. It is manufactured using metal, plastic and electronic circuits. Hardware is divided into four categories based on its function: input devices, which send data into the computer; output devices, which display the results; the CPU, which processes the data; and storage devices, which save data permanently.
Hardware is a permanent part of the computer and cannot be changed easily. If hardware gets damaged, it cannot be replaced or repaired easily without the help of a technician. The speed and performance of a computer depend greatly on the quality of its hardware, such as the processor speed, the amount of RAM and the size of the hard disk.
Software is a collection of programs, instructions and data that controls the working of the computer. It is intangible, meaning it cannot be seen or touched, although we can see its effects on the screen. Software tells the hardware what to do, when to do it and how to do it. A program is a set of step-by-step instructions written in a language that the computer can understand.
Software is generally classified into two main types: system software and application software. The system software runs the computer itself, while application software helps the user do specific tasks such as typing a letter, drawing a picture or playing a game. There is also a third category called utility software, which is used to maintain and protect the computer.
System software is the software that manages and controls the hardware and provides a platform for other software to run. The most important system software is the operating system, such as Microsoft Windows, Linux, macOS and Android. The operating system starts the computer, manages memory, handles input and output, and controls files. Other system software includes language translators and device drivers, which help the hardware communicate with the computer.
Application software is designed to help the user perform specific tasks. Examples include word processors like Microsoft Word, spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel, presentation software like PowerPoint, web browsers like Chrome and games. Application software can be divided into packaged software, which is ready-made and sold for general use, and customised software, which is specially written to meet the needs of a particular organisation.
Utility software is a type of system software that helps in maintaining and protecting the computer. Antivirus software scans and removes viruses, disk cleaner removes unnecessary files, disk defragmenter arranges files on the disk, and backup software creates copies of data. Examples are Norton Antivirus, Windows Defender and CCleaner.
Hardware and software differ in several ways. Hardware is physical and can be touched, while software is logical and cannot be touched. Hardware is made of physical materials and can wear out with time, while software does not wear out, although it can contain bugs. Hardware cannot be infected by a virus, whereas software can be infected and damaged by viruses. Hardware and software are interdependent; neither can work without the other. When a computer is switched on, the software loads into the hardware's memory and starts controlling it.
Input devices are used to enter data and instructions into the computer. The most common input devices are: - Keyboard: used to type letters, numbers and symbols. - Mouse: a pointing device used to select and move objects on the screen. - Scanner: used to convert printed documents and photos into digital form. - Microphone: used to enter sound or voice into the computer. - Webcam: used to capture videos and images. - Light pen: a pointing device that works directly on the screen. - Joystick: used for playing games and controlling movements. - Barcode reader: used in shops to read barcodes on products.
Output devices display the results of processing. The most common output devices are: - Monitor: displays text and images on a screen, like a television. - Printer: produces a hard copy of the results on paper. - Speaker: produces sound output. - Projector: displays the computer screen on a large screen or wall, used in presentations.
| Feature | Hardware | Software |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Physical and tangible | Logical and intangible |
| Examples | Keyboard, monitor, CPU | Windows, Word, games |
| Can it be touched? | Yes | No |
| Can it wear out? | Yes, with time | No, but may have bugs |
| Affected by viruses? | No | Yes |
| Type | Purpose | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| System software | Manages and controls hardware | Operating system, device drivers |
| Application software | Helps user do specific tasks | MS Word, MS Excel, Chrome |
| Utility software | Maintains and protects computer | Antivirus, disk cleaner |
Hardware and software are the two inseparable parts of a computer system. Hardware provides the physical machinery for input, processing, output and storage, while software gives instructions that make the machinery useful. Software is classified into system software, which manages the computer, application software, which helps users perform tasks, and utility software, which maintains and protects the system. Understanding the difference between hardware and software and their relationship is essential before moving on to learn about the operating system, which is the most important piece of system software.