HARDWARE
VS
SOFTWARE
BY:OMNIA ALI AHMED
202006396
TO:MOHAMMED KHALAF ALI
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE
1. Definition
Hardware: Refers to the physical components of a computer that you can touch
and see. It provides the platform for software to run.
Software: Refers to the set of instructions, programs, and data that tell the
hardware what to do. It acts as an intermediary between the user and the
hardware.
2. Types
Hardware Types:
1. Input Devices – Devices that allow users to input data (e.g., keyboard,
mouse, scanner).
2. Output Devices – Devices that display or output data (e.g., monitor, printer,
speakers).
3. Processing Unit – The CPU (Central Processing Unit) processes data and
executes instructions.
4. Storage Devices – Devices that store data permanently or temporarily (e.g.,
hard drive, SSD, USB flash drive).
5. Memory (RAM & ROM) – Temporary (RAM) and permanent (ROM) storage
used for processing data.
6. Motherboard & Power Supply – The motherboard connects all components,
and the power supply provides electricity to run the computer.
Software Types:
1. System Software – Manages hardware and provides a platform for other
software. Example:
2. Operating System (OS): Windows, macOS, Linux.
3. Utility Software: Antivirus, Disk Cleanup, File Managers.
4. Application Software – Programs designed for end users, such as:
5. Productivity Software: Microsoft Word, Excel, Google Chrome.
6. Multimedia Software: Photoshop, VLC Media Player.
7. Gaming Software: FIFA, Call of Duty.
8. Programming Software – Used by developers to write and test programs.
Examples:
9. Compilers & Interpreters: Python, Java, C++.
10. Integrated Development Environments (IDEs): Visual Studio, Eclipse.
3. Key Differences
Feature Hardware Software
Physical (can be touched Digital (exists as code and
Nature
and seen). instructions).
Provides instructions for
Executes operations as
Function hardware to perform
instructed by software.
tasks.
Tangible (e.g., keyboard, Intangible (e.g., Windows
Tangibility
monitor, motherboard). OS, games, apps).
Cannot function without
Dependency Needs hardware to run.
software.
Does not degrade but may
Can wear out or get
Durability become outdated or
damaged.
corrupted.
Requires replacement or Can be updated, modified,
Modification
upgrading. or reinstalled easily.
Developed using
Development Manufactured in factories.
programming languages.
4. Relationship Between Hardware and Software
Hardware and software must work together for a computer system to function.
Example: When you press a key on a keyboard (hardware), the software (e.g.,
MS Word) registers the input and displays it on the screen.
A smartphone consists of hardware (screen, battery, camera) and software
(Android, iOS, apps).
5. Analogy: Human Body Example
Think of a computer system as a human body:
Hardware = The body (bones, muscles, organs).
Software = The mind (thoughts, memory, instructions).
THANK YOU