According to Whatis.com, a computer is a device that accepts information in the form of digital data and manipulates it for some result based on a program or sequence of instructions on how the data is to be processed. Complex computers also include the means for storing data for some necessary duration.
I found a great website (www.diffen.com/difference/Special:AshExtension?diffenVal1=Hardware&diffenVal2=Software) that thoroughly describes the differences between hardware and software. A computer can be broken down into two components: hardware and software. Basically, the website discusses each in terms of definition, interdependence, examples, types, and functions.
Software is a general term used to describe a collection of computer programs, procedures, and documentation that perform some task on a computer system. It is usually written in high-level programming languages. Some examples include Internet Explorer, Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Office, etc.
Hardware is a physical device, something that you’re able to touch and see. The computer monitor, mouse, keyboard, CD-ROM and printer are all examples of computer hardware. Without any hardware the computer would not exist and software would have nothing to run on.
Hardware and software are interdependent. In other words, hardware cannot function until software is loaded and software is installed in hardware to allow the programs to run. The hardware of a computer is changed infrequently compared to software and data, which are frequently created, modified, or erased.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Actually I would argue the hardware changes frequently on their own. Granted not as much as software, as you pointed out.
ReplyDeleteDuring the early years of the x86 architecture of the "IBM/Windows" compatible pcs, processors, video cards, and drives would change in speed, size and technological advances. This partially influenced by Moore's "law"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moore%27s_law
Though software still holds an advantage in upgrading since most upgrades involve an uninstall or patch to update a piece of software.
For hardware it usually requires a complete change in the individual hardware. E.g. : Motherboard, Video Card, RAM, Faster CD drive/Burner (less frequent today), Sound Card, etc.
Now for a typical user that may not be so noticeable, but for the gaming community, hardware changes are common on a yearly or bi-yearly basis.
Though hardware isn't necessarily updated as much as software, the development of software is directly tied to the available processing power at the current time.
I think the key point is that in relation to software, hardware changes less frequently. While hardware does change with the creation of new technologies, I find that software grows at a much greater rate. Softwares growth I think is due to variations of the same software. When one new idea comes out, there are numerous variations of the same thing. I think this makes for a quicker growing rate than hardware.
ReplyDeleteI find that there is much more media attention to software updates than hardware updates.
ReplyDeleteFor example, for most typical consumers, when Apple releases a new iPhone, the main focus is on the new OS or options the phone can do as opposed to the frequent hardware upgrades within the device.
The paradoxical aspect of this situation, like you mentioned in your post, is that the hardware is necessary in order to power the software, but there is no improved software without improved hardware to handle it.
Devon, what is the source of your information about hardware and software?
ReplyDeleteI think it's also interesting to consider that the term "software" includes the instructions and manuals (sometimes these are essential), the logic of the program (which can be carried out with no more sophisticated hardware than a paper and pencil), and what might be considered in some sense hardware items like a game cartridge.
So ultimately, which becomes more important? Hardware or software? I know of video game systems that have both software and firmware updates over the internet. Does this mean that the line between the two is becoming blurred?
ReplyDelete