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Software vs Hardware – Learn the Difference

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

Software is a collection of programs used to instruct the computer on what to do. It is the script written for hardware to store and run.

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

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

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

Hardware is the physical part of a machine. It is the touchable part of a device.

The two main types of hardware are:

  • External hardware
  • Internal 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.

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.