Computer hardware and software work together to perform a wide range of tasks, from running applications and games to managing data and connecting to the internet. Hardware provides the physical infrastructure, while software directs and controls these components to execute various functions.

1. COMPUTER HARDWARE
AND SOFTWARE
Abhishek Sonker

2. Introduction
Computer hardware and software work together to perform a wide range of tasks,
from running applications and games to managing data and connecting to the internet.
Hardware provides the physical infrastructure, while software directs and controls
these components to execute various functions.
The concept of hardware and software is explained in detail from next slides −

3. Computer Hardware
★ Hardware means the physical parts of a computer, like the stuff you can touch
and see.
★ Computer hardware is made up of connected electronic gadgets that help us give
commands to the computer and see what it does.
★ Some examples of computer hardware are the CPU (the computer's brain),
keyboard, mouse, and hard disk (where stuff is stored).

4. Hardware Components
Computer hardware is a collection of several components working together. Some
parts are essential and others are added advantages. Computer hardware is made up of
CPU and peripherals as shown in image below.

5. Type Of Computer Hardwares
★ Central Processing Unit (CPU): The CPU is the "brain" of the computer,
responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations.
★ Memory (RAM): Random Access Memory (RAM) is a temporary storage area
that stores data that the CPU is currently working on.
★ Hard Drive (HDD/SSD): Hard drives store data long-term. HDDs use spinning
disks, while SSDs use flash memory for faster data access.
★ Motherboard: The motherboard is the main circuit board that connects all the
computer's components and allows them to communicate.
★ Graphics Processing Unit (GPU): GPUs are dedicated processors for rendering
images and videos, essential for gaming and graphical applications.

6. ★ Input and Output Devices: These include the keyboard, mouse, monitor, printer,
and speakers, allowing users to interact with the computer.
★ Power Supply Unit (PSU): The PSU provides power to all components, converting
electricity from the outlet to a usable form for the computer.
★ Optical Drives: These are CD/DVD/Blu-ray drives used for reading and writing
optical discs.
★ Expansion Cards: These are add-on cards for enhancing the computer's
capabilities, such as graphics cards, sound cards, and network cards.
★ Cooling System: Computers need cooling to prevent overheating. This includes
fans, heat sinks, and, in some cases, liquid cooling systems.

7. Computer Software
★ A program is a set of instructions that tells a computer what to do.
★ Software is created by writing these instructions in a computer language,
converting them into machine language, and then the computer carries out these
instructions.
★ Software can be divided into two main types.
○ System software
○ Application software

8. System Software
★ System software works directly with the computer's hardware, making it run
smoothly.
★ It creates a foundation for running other software applications.
★ System software helps with user interactions and functionality on a computer.
★ Some examples of system software are Windows, Linux, and Unix operating
systems.

9. Application Software
★ Application software is made to help users do specific tasks.
★ It can be designed for different jobs, like creating documents, spreadsheets,
presentations, or managing databases.
★ Some common examples are Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Oracle,
which help users with writing, number crunching, presentations, and database
management.

10. Type of Computer Software:
★ Operating System (OS): The OS is the core software that manages hardware
resources and allows users to interact with the computer. Examples include
Windows, macOS, and Linux.
★ Application Software: These are programs that perform specific tasks, such as
word processors (Microsoft Word), web browsers (Google Chrome), and image
editors (Adobe Photoshop).
★ Utility Software: Utilities help maintain and optimize the computer, including
antivirus programs, disk cleanup tools, and backup software.
★ Programming Software: For software developers, these tools include compilers,
code editors, and integrated development environments (IDEs).

11. ★ Middleware: Software that connects different applications and facilitates
communication between them, often used in networking and database
management.
★ Firmware: Permanent software programmed into hardware components, like the
BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) on a motherboard.
★ Open Source Software: Software with source code that's freely available for
modification and distribution, like the Linux operating system.
★ Proprietary Software: Commercial software with restricted access to its source
code, often requiring a license or purchase.
★ Web-based Applications: Software that runs within a web browser, including
email services (Gmail) and cloud-based productivity tools (Google Docs).
★ Mobile Apps: Software designed for smartphones and tablets, available through
app stores.

12. Differences between Software and Hardware
S. No. Software Hardware
1
It is a collection of programs to bring
computer hardware system into operation.
hardware system into operation. It includes
physical components of computer system.
2
It includes numbers, alphabets,
alphanumeric symbols, identifiers,
keywords, etc.
It consists of electronic components like
ICs, diodes, registers, crystals, boards,
insulators, etc.
3
Software products evolve by adding new
features to existing programs to support
hardware.
Hardware design is based on architectural
decisions to make it work over a range of
environmental conditions and time.
4
It will vary as per computer and its built-in
functions and programming language.
It is mostly constructed for all types of
computer systems.

13. S. No. Software Hardware
5
It is designed and developed by
experienced programmers in high-level
language.
The hardware can understand only low-
level language or machine language.
6
It is represented in any high-level language
such as BASIC, COBOL, C, C++, JAVA,
etc.
The hardware works only on binary codes
1’s and 0’s.
7
The software is categorized as operating
system, utilities, language processor,
application software, etc.
The hardware consists of input devices,
output devices, memory, etc.