This document discusses the differences between software and hardware. Software refers to programs and instructions that enable computers to perform tasks, while hardware are the physical components of a computer system. Some key differences are that software is intangible while hardware is tangible. System software and application software are categories of software, while hardware categories include the CPU, memory, storage devices, input/output devices and motherboard. Understanding the differences between software and hardware is important for effective system design, troubleshooting, performance optimization, resource allocation and security.

1. DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SOFTWARE AND
HARDWARE
BY
UZOH OBINNA FABIAN
APPL/2022/MENG/ELECT/018
(Phone no.: 08065816294, Email: obinnauzoh@gmail.com)
ELECTRICAL ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING UNIVERSITY OF PORTHARCOURT
Course Code: EEE803.1
Course Title: Introduction to Software Engineering
Lecturer: Dr Dan Ekpah
Date of Presentation: 22nd March 2024

2. What is SOFTWARE?, What is HARDWARE?
 Software: Software refers to a collection of instructions,
programs, and data that enable computers to perform
specific tasks.
 Hardware: Hardware refers to the physical components
of a computer system that can be touched and
manipulated.

3. Categories of SOFTWARE
 System Software
 Application Software

4. Categories of HARDWARE
 CPU
Central Processing Unit
 Memory (RAM):
Random Access Memory
 Storage Devices
 Input & Output Devices
 Motherboard

5. Basic differences between SOFTWARE & HARDWARE

6. Importance of understanding the differences
between software and hardware
 Effective System Design
 Troubleshooting and Maintenance
 Optimizing Performance
 Resource Allocation
 Security
 Training and Education

7. Characteristics of SOFTWARE
 Instructions
 Dynamic
 Programs
 Intangibility

8. Characteristics of HARDWARE
 Tangible
 Physical Components
 Static
 Interconnected

9. How software and hardware interact in
computing systems
 Execution of Software Programs
 Resource Allocation
 Data Processing
 User Interface
 Device Drivers and APIs
 System Calls and Interrupts

10. Functional differences between SOFTWARE & HARDWARE

11. Comparison of the performance characteristics of
software and hardware

12. Flexibility and Adaptability of SOFTWARE
& HARDWARE

13. Impact of software development on hardware and vice versa

14. The differences between software and
hardware is crucial for several reason

15. The differences between software and hardware have
significant implications for computing technology and society
 Innovation and Advancement
 Customization and Personalization
 Accessibility and Affordability
 Security and Privacy
 Environmental Impact
 Ethical and Societal Considerations
 Global Connectivity and Digital Transformation

16. Questions and Suggestions