This document explains the differences, types, and functions of computer hardware and software. Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer, while software consists of the programs that instruct the hardware on how to operate. Additionally, it discusses the advantages and disadvantages of software, the needs for software in various sectors, and the significance of operating software.

1. Computer Hardware And
Software |Types, Functions,
Difference between
Hardware vs Software
In this article, you are going to read about the introduction to computer
hardware and software.
Their Functions, Types, Examples, Advantages, hardware vs software, and
much other information related to this article, so stay on this site for further
information.
In simple and short words, Softwares play a vital role in computer systems
by creating a bridge between computer hardware and computer user.
Software is the mediator that connects the user with computer hardware.
You can say Hardware’s are the physical parts of a computer system and can
be used in the system and by the computer users, for example- CPU (central
processing unit).
Contents
● Difference Between Computer Hardware and Software
● Types of Computer Software
● Application Software
● Programming Software
● Functions of computer software

2. ● Examples of Computer Software
● Advantages and Disadvantages of Computer Software
● Types And Examples of Computer Hardware
● Functions of Computer Hardware
● Comparison Between Hardware and Software
○ The invention of software and Hardware
■ Availability of Softwares In Different Forms
○ What is the most important software in Computer?
○ What are the needs for Software?
Difference Between Computer
Hardware and Software
Computer Software
We are already aware that computers need instructions to carry out the tasks,
and they cannot perform themselves without any instructions.
When instructions are given to computers in a manner that computers can
understand them and execute those instructions accordingly.
Such instructions to carry out certain tasks or tasks that are predesigned when
made available in a computer-readable format are called programs. Such
programs are called computer software.
These softwares can be stored in secondary storage devices such as (hard
disks, cd-rom, etc) and make use of them as and when required.
Software is a set of programs that can be stored on a medium that is used to
get the job done.

3. It plays an important and crucial role in all computer systems by creating a
connection or bridge between the user and computer hardware.
The software needs to be checked before being used. There are some terms
that are used for the process of accessing software including starting,
executing, running, opening, and others.
Computer Hardware
Let’s understand this in easy language, Hardware is the physical and
touchable parts of a computer means you can touch those components.
Internal hardware parts of a computer are known as components and
external hardware parts of a computer called peripherals both of them are
known as computer hardware.
In both PCs or desktop computers, the components of hardware are the same
but there is a big difference in the size of the hardware.
Computers can only operate or start when both software and hardware are
present and work together in the system, there is no chance to start a
computer only with software or hardware.
You can enter the operating system by using operating software where
hardware helps the operating software to perform fast and easily.
● Types of keyboards
● Scanners
● Types of Mouse
● Ram and Rom
● Computer Types

4. Types of Computer Software
System Software
The system software is a collection of programs designed to operate the
computer and control it.

5. System software performs the basic functions to start and operate the
hardware components of the computer system.
They instruct the computer on how to operate its peripherals. In other words,
system software deals with running the computer system or making it work.
There are two types of system software.
● Operating system- An operating system or OS is a software
program that deals with the functioning of the computer and its
peripherals. It is the core software component of your computer.
It is an interface between your computer and outside the world.
● Utility Software- Utility programs are mainly intended as a
helping aid and is provided by the computer manufacturer. These
programs are also known as service programs. Such programs are
available for call up by the operating system. It performs a
specific task, usually related to managing a computer, its devices,
or programs. It helps to manage the computer hardware and
application software.
Application Software
The program that performs specific tasks for the users are known as
application software or applications, Application Software has varied
functional usages-
● Application Software is a productivity business tool.
● They assist in graphic communication tools.
● It supports household activities and personal and educational
programs.
● It facilitates communication tools.

6. Application software is the main type of computer software. This software is
used to edit text, graphics, and utilizes the capabilities of a computer for the
completion of tasks.
Programming Software
This is commonly known and popularly used computer software. This
software comes in the form of tools that helps all the programmer in writing
programs for computers.
This is the sets of logical instructions that make a computer system perform
certain tasks.
This is the tools that help programmers in instructing a computer system
including a text editor, compilers, and interpreters.
Compilers translate source code written in programming languages into a
language that a computer understands.
Compilers generate objects which are combined and changed into executable
programs through linkers.
Debuggers are used to check code for bugs and debug it. This source code is
partially or fully simulated for the debugging tool to run on it and remove bugs
if any.
Interpreters execute programs, They execute the source code or a precompiled
code and translate source code into an intermediate language before
execution.
Functions of computer software

7. The main role of computer software is used to operate and manage the
hardware resources of a computer. Some of the basic functions of the software
are;
● The software can make the computer to compare data, make
logical decisions, do mathematical calculations, store and retrieve
data and instructions from primary or secondary, and carry-out
sequences of tasks.
● The software enables computer users to obtain what they need
from the computer.
● Softwares make the computer to work towards giving the
outputs in the manner the user wants it, such as output on a
screen, printouts, sounds, sending emails, etc.
● Some software is used to translate the program written in
different or secondary languages into machine languages. These
software are called ‘compilers’ or ‘interpreters’.
● Compilers are the collection of large programs. It changes the
high-level language into machine language.
● Interpreters are the programs that are never compiled but their
instructions are taken one by one.
Examples of Computer Software
What are the 4 types of software?
● Operating software- DOS, UNIX, Microsoft Windows OS,
Apple IOS and Apple macOS, Google Android OS, and Linux
Operating software are examples of leading Operating software in
the World.
● Utility Software- File manager, disk cleaner, uninstaller,
screen saver, file compression, virus scanner, and disk
defragment are examples of utility software.

8. ● Application Software- Word processing software,
spreadsheet, database, presentation graphics, accounting
software, computer-aided design (CAD) software, video, and
audio editing software, and many more these types of software
are examples of application software.
● Programming Software- JAVA, PHP, Notepad++, Visual
Studio, Flosum, and UltraEdit are some examples of
programming software.

9. Advantages and Disadvantages of
Computer Software
There are too many software are available in the market for our ease, also in
all sectors like Education, healthcare, home, finance, restaurant, railways,
government, airlines and etc.
Advantages
● Software Increase Productivity
● Analysis made easy
● More accurate than the manual workforce
● Less workload on the Human workforce
● Increase consumer experience
● Easy data handling
● Calculation of large numbers made Easy
● It reduces the cost of manual labor
Softwares are introduced to reduce the manual workforce. All software is
made for their specific use. Benefits introduced by the software may be
different for some sectors, it only depends on the type of work.
There are some disadvantages takes place in the market by using the
computer software.
● Softwares are expensive and need monthly updates.
● Before being an expert you have to learn it and this takes 6-12
months for being the perfect touch on that software.
● High-end software need high performing Laptops or computers
● It also introduced some problems that are harmful to the
computer and the data stored in it. (Computer Virus)

10. ● The data stored in computer software is likely to be theft easily by
Hacking.
As always there are two sides of every coin, same as Computers software have
also some advantages and disadvantages.
In this article about Computer hardware and software, we covered Software,
and next, you are going to read about Hardware, Types, Functions,
examples, advantages, and disadvantages.
Also Read: Importance of computer
Types And Examples of Computer
Hardware
Let’s Understand-Explain hardware and software with examples
As mentioned above hardware are the physical and touchable parts of a
computer system.
Input Device- Any instruction or data entered into the computer is known as
the input, same as the devices we used to input data in computer are called
Input devices. Too many techniques are used to enter data into any computer
system.
● Examples of Input devices- Mouse, keyboards, scanners,
joystick, digital web camera, touch screen, light pen and, etc, are
a few examples of input device.

11. Output Device– When the data has been processed into a useful form is
called output, the same as the devices are used to process the data from the
computer are called Output devices.
● Examples of Output devices– Display devices, printers,
plotters, speakers, headphones, etc.
Storage Devices- The devices used by a computer user to store any type of
digital data are called storage devices. Most of the time you don’t have to
purchase a storage device while purchasing a laptop or computer Because the
manufacturers already attached an HDD or SSD with the CPU of your system.
● Examples of Storage devices- HDD (hard disk drive), optical
discs, flash drive, memory card, Cloud storage, pen drive, etc.
Internal Components- Internal components are those devices that are
present in the central processing unit.
● Examples are– Control unit, memory unit, and Arithmetic
logic unit.

12. Functions of Computer Hardware
There are some functions of some hardware devices you should definitely
know about them.
● Monitor (display device)- This computer hardware is used to
show the data that you have entered into the system

13. ● CPU- The CPU is called the brain of computers, and the brain
controls all the system units attached to the computer.
● Mouse- The mouse is a pointing device used to select the
options displayed on the monitor.
● Keyboard- The keyboard is used to enter the data in form of
text.
Comparison Between Hardware and
Software
Computer Hardware
1. Hardware has 4 types
● Input device
● Output device
● Storage device
● Internal components
2. Hardware is physical, so it can be touched and easily replaced by others
after damage.
3. Not infected by any kind of virus.

14. 4. Manufactured in companies.
5. You can not carry this in your pocket.
6. Examples are- CPU, LCD, Keyboard, Hard disks, etc.
Computer Software
1. The software has 3 types
● System software
● Application software
● Programming Software
2. Software is a program and not physically available but you can be seen
easily.
3. You have to protect this from virus attacks.

15. 4. Made by software developers.
5. You can easily carry this in your pocket.
6. Examples are- Operating software, anti-virus software, etc.
The invention of software and Hardware
Computer software- The theory of computer software is introduced by
Alan turning in 1935 after that Charles Babbage the “Father of Computer”
introduced the first programmable computer to the world in the 19th century.
Wikipedia
Computer Hardware- In the beginning, the inventors introduced hardware
like, vacuum tubes, transistors, IC (integrated circuits), etc. these are the first
hardware of computers.
There is no use of mice and keyboards at the time of 1960.
Availability of Softwares In Different Forms
● Packaged software: This is copyrighted retail software that is
available in retail stores or through the official websites of a
company.

16. ● Custom software: If you can’t find the software you want,
software development companies can custom design software for
you.
● Web application: A web application is a site that allows users
to access and use the software for their personal or organizational
work. examples- email, etc.
● Open-source software: This is provided for use, modification,
and redistribution. These software are downloaded from the
internet at no cost. Example- Google play store apps, etc.
● Shareware: This is copyrighted software that is distributed at
no cost only for trial use, you have to pay after the trial period is
over. example- Microsoft office (if you download ms-office from
the Microsoft website they give a one-month free trial after that
you have to pay for it yearly or monthly).
● Freeware: Freeware is the software that is available to use for
free of cost without any limitations. Example- Some of the google
software is freeware.
● Public-domain software: This is for public use and has no
copyright restrictions. Example- Linux.
Also Read: Characteristics of computer
Also Read: Introduction to computer generations
Also Read: Types of Operating System
This is full information about computer hardware and software. If you think
something is missing then comment below.
What is the most important software in
Computer?
Operating software is the software that helps you to enter into the system and
do your work.

17. What are the needs for Software?
Softwares are invented to ease your work within different sectors.
Tally in Accounting
Excel in Data Entry
Some website building software like WordPress
Graphics software, and many more.