Hardware vs. Software

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.