Difference between hardware and software

 

Introduction:- Computer hardware is any physical device, something that you are able to touch and software is a collection of instructions and code installed into the computer and cannot be touched. For example, the computer monitor you are using to read this text on and the mouse you are using to navigate this web page is computer hardware. The Internet browser that allowed you to visit this page and the operating system that the browser is running on is software.

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; in other words, it is not an external element of the computer, but rather an internal one, surrounded by the computer's casing.

Software:-

Software, commonly known as programs, consists of all the electronic instructions that tell the hardware how to perform a task. These instructions come from a software developer in the form that will be accepted by the operating system that they are based on.

Practical computer systems divide software systems into three major groups:

1. System software: Helps run computer hardware and computer system. Computer software includes operating systems, device drivers, diagnostic tools and more.
2. Programming software: Software that assists a programmer in writing computer programs.
3. Application software: Allows users to accomplish one or more tasks.

 

Firmware:-

Firmware is a program for the hardware.

It is an embedded coded (program) for the hardware. So, that it can perform its function specifically for which device is made. Every device has inbuilt firmware. That gives the device ability to perform its work. There are lots of devices that use a screen and buttons.

Examples are a video card and sound card.

Used so that processing happens quicker as in video and sound cards.