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Software vs Hardware – Learn the Difference

What is the difference between software and hardware? Let's find out.

What Is Software?​

Software is a collection of programs used to instruct the computer on what to do.

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The term "soft" implies that computer programs are soft (easy) to change, while "ware" means product. Therefore, you can describe software as a flexible product.

Types of software​

The two main types of software are:

  • Application software
  • System software

"The delineation between system software and application software is not exact and is occasionally the object of controversy." — Wikipedia

What is application software?​

Application software is the computer programs end-users use to accomplish specific tasks.

Media players, word processors, and spreadsheets are examples of application software.

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An application software is sometimes called an app, application program, application, or software application.

What is system software?​

System software is the computer programs computers use to accomplish specific tasks.

Operating systems, game engines, and device drivers are examples of system software.

What Is Hardware?​

Hardware is the physical part of a machine.

note

The term "hard" implies that a machine's physical parts are hard (rigid) to change, while "ware" means product. Therefore, you can describe hardware as a rigid product.

Types of hardware​

The two main types of hardware are:

  • External hardware
  • Internal hardware

What is external hardware?​

External hardware is the externally connected components of a machine that users connect through the device's ports.

Mouse, keyboards, and printers are examples of external hardware.

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External hardware is sometimes called peripheral components.

What is internal hardware?​

Internal hardware is the internally connected elements of a machine that you will find inside the device's casing.

CPU, RAM, and motherboard are examples of internal hardware.

Overview​

Hardware is the touchable part of a machine. And software is the program written for hardware to store and run.

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