Computer hardware simple english wikipedia, the free. Software is often used to describe all the functional aspects of a computer that do not refer to its physical components hardware. A computer system isnt complete unless theres also software, which is different than hardware. The motherboard is made up of even more parts that power and control the computer. For example, the computer monitor you are using to read this text and the mouse you are using to navigate this web page are computer hardware. Hardware refers to the physical pieces of a computer while software refers to the programs stored within it. Hardware vs software difference and comparison diffen. What is the definition of hardware and software answers. Software definition the tech terms computer dictionary. Information and translations of computer hardware in the most comprehensive dictionary definitions resource on the web. Apr 05, 2020 computer monitors and other hardware are physically tangible, while software is not. Computer software, on the other hand, is not something you can touch. The definition of hardware is the physical components of a computer such as the machine and wiring, or tools and machinery, or heavy military equipment. Whether it be a monitor, tablet, or smartphone, it is hardware without any hardware, your computer would not exist, and.
Software definition, the programs used to direct the operation of a computer, as well as documentation giving instructions on how to use them. Computer hardware is the collection of all the parts you can physically touch. The main types of system software are operating systems, like windows os x, or linux. In computers, a piece of hardware would be the fan, or the motherboard. A computers hardware is comprised of many different parts, but perhaps the most important of these is the motherboard. Intermediate between software and hardware is firmware, which is software that is strongly coupled to the particular hardware of a computer system and thus the most difficult to change but also among the most stable with respect to consistency. The internal hardware parts of a computer are often referred to as components.
Word processing software uses the computer processor, memory, and hard drive to create and save documents. Before compact discs cds or development of the internet age, software was used on various computer data storage media tools like. Definition software, in its most general sense, is a set of instructions or programs instructing a computer to do specific tasks. For example, a video game, which is software, uses the computer processor, memory, hard drive, and video card to run. Central processing unit cpu randomaccess memory ram. Computer hardware definition computer software and computer. The physical components of a computer are the hardware, and the digital programs running on the hardware are the software. A hardware upgrade is any new hardware better than that which it replaced or additional hardware that improves performance. Hardware definition of hardware by the free dictionary. Microsoft is a leading global vendor of computer software. The word software was first used in the late 1960s to emphasize on its difference from computer hardware, which can be physically observed by the user. Software is a generic term for organized collections of computer data and instructions, often broken into two major categories. Hardware is a physical device, something that one is able to touch and see.
Computer hardware consists of interconnected electronic devices that we can use to control computers operation, input and output. Computer hardware or hardware means the physical parts that make up a computer. Hardware devices are also comprised of other hardware devices. Hardware definition, metalware, as tools, locks, hinges, or cutlery. Internal hardware devices include motherboards, hard drives, and ram. Hardware definition and meaning collins english dictionary. Computer software is a general term that describes computer programs. While a smartphone is a piece of hardware, it also contains software and firmware more on those below. Mar 31, 2020 software is a generic term used to describe computer programs that run on pcs, mobile phones, tablets, or other smart devices.
Software is a program, such as an operating system or a web browser, that is able to instruct a computer s hardware to perform a specific. This is in contrast to physical hardware, from which the system is built and actually performs the work. A computer and connected devices, equipment, technology and all elements of computer structures and systems. Software is a program that enables a computer to perform a specific task, as opposed to the physical components of the system hardware. Diagnostic software is defined as computer programs that determine problems and issues in hardware and software on the computer. Computer hardware refers to the physical parts that make up the entirety of a computer. Hardware includes the electrical, mechanical, data storage and magnetic components among other parts. Collection of instructions that enables a user to interact with the computer. Examples of hardware in a computer are the keyboard, the monitor, the mouse. Computer repair is the process of identifying, troubleshooting and resolving problems and issues in a faulty computer. Pc software plays the role of mediator between the user and computer hardware. External hardware devices include monitors, keyboards, mice, printers, and scanners. Software is the variable part of a computer while hardware as the invariable part, i.
Software definition is something used or associated with and usually contrasted with hardware. Software can also be thought of as an expression that contrasts with hardware. Another example is a video card upgrade, which is the act of removing an old video card and replacing it with. Computer repair is a broad field encompassing many tools, techniques and procedures used to repair computer hardware, software or networkinternet problems. What is software computer software, is a kind of programs that enable a user to perform some specific task or used to operate a computer. The term hardware distinguishes the tangible aspects of a computing device from software, which consists of written instructions that tell physical components what to do. It has the permanent shape and structure, which cannot be modified. Dictionary term of the day articles subjects businessdictionary business dictionary. It is the programming language that makes hardware functional. The definition of computer hardware are the physical pieces that make up a computer including the monitor, keyboard, and cpu. A computer without software is like a book full of blank pages you need software to make the computer useful just as you need words to make a book meaningful. Software simple english wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Computer hardware includes the physical, tangible parts or components of a computer, such as the case, central processing unit cpu, monitor, keyboard, computer data storage, graphics card, sound card, speakers and motherboard.
Hardware and software are interconnected, without software, the hardware of a computer would have no function. The pages and the ink are the hardware, while the words, sentences, paragraphs, and the overall meaning are the software. Computer software, or simply software, is a collection of data or computer instructions that tell the computer how to work. Hardware gets its name due to the fact that its strict when it comes to modifications, whereas software is more. See the software and hardware definitions for further information and related. From data storage to output devices, our hardware dictionary offers a glossary of terms you need to know. Anything that can be stored electronically is software, in contrast to storage devices and display devices which are called hardware. The physical components of a computer are the hardware. Input, storage, processing, control, and output devices. An example of a common hardware upgrade is a ram upgrade, where the user increases the computer s total memory. Operating system is defined as a system software that manages computer hardware and software resources and provides common services for.
Nov 27, 2019 while a smartphone is a piece of hardware, it also contains software and firmware more on those below. It can be modified and reused, as it has no permanent shape and structure. What is software type of software definition of software. Software comprises the entire set of programs, procedures, and routines associated with the operation of a computer system. Computer software is often tested by hackers for vulnerabilities before being released to the public.
The first type is used just to run the hardware, while the second is used to do other things. Ultimately, computer software is the systems logic computer users. The term was coined to differentiate these instructions from hardwarei. Software is a generic term used to describe computer programs that run on pcs, mobile phones, tablets, or other smart devices. This may include obvious things like the keyboard and mouse. In computer systems, hardware refers to the machines themselves as opposed to the. The term arose as a way to distinguish the box and the electronic circuitry and components of a computer from the program you put in it to make it do things. Software is a general term for the various kinds of program s used to operate computer s and related devices.
Software provides the means for accomplishing many different tasks with the. It directs all the peripheral devices on the computer system what to do and how to perform a task. In contrast to software, hardware is a physical entity. Software is a generic term used to describe computer programs. A perfect example of hardware is the screen on which you are viewing this page. Related terms such as software programs, applications, scripts, and instruction sets all fall under the category of computer software. The software is data thats stored electronically, like an operating system or a video editing tool, which runs on the hardware. Hardware definition the tech terms computer dictionary. Therefore, installing new programs or applications on your computer is synonymous with installing new software on your computer. Computer software, or only software, is a kind of program that enable a user to perform some specific task or used to operate a computer. Scripts, applications, programs and a set of instructi. Processor speed is typically indicated in gigahertz ghz. Computer hardware is a collective term used to describe any of the physical components of an analog or digital computer. Hardware and software are interconnected, without software, the hardware of a computer.
Software is a set of instructions that the computer follows. This is usually the actual arm or a piece of it on the outside, or items that make the machine work. By contrast, software is instructions that can be stored and run by hardware. Computer hardware definition of computer hardware by the. All software utilizes at least one hardware device to operate. Examples of hardware in a computer are the processor, memory devices, monitor, printer, keyboard, mouse, and the central processing unit. Hardware definition is ware such as fittings, cutlery, tools, utensils, or parts of machines made of metal. For example, the computer monitor used to view this text, or the mouse used to navigate a website are considered computer hardware.
Some it professionals specialize in hardware, while others focus on programming software. Mar 31, 2020 a computer system isnt complete unless theres also software, which is different than hardware. Difference between hardware and software geeksforgeeks. What are the differences between hardware and software. Computer hardware definition computer software and. Random access memory ram, this is typically indicated in gigabytes gb. In information technology, hardware is the physical aspect of computers, telecommunications, and other devices. The term hardware describes the physical aspects of. Hardware is a comprehensive term for all of the physical parts of a computer, as distinguished from the data it contains or operates on, and the software that provides instructions for the hardware to acoomplish tasks. Microsofts corporate headquarters is located in redmond, wash.
Computer hardware specifications are technical descriptions of the computers components and capabilities. The term hardware describes the physical aspects of computers and related devices. Computer hardware refers to the physical parts of a computer and related devices. Everything you need to know about computer hardware. For computers, hardware refers to the physical property that makes up a system. A computer s hardware is comprised of many different parts, but perhaps the most important of these is the motherboard.
Abbreviated as hw, hardware is best described as any physical component of a computer system that contains a circuit board, ics, or other electronics. May 21, 2019 software is a program that enables a computer to perform a specific task, as opposed to the physical components of the system hardware. Computer hardware is any physical device used in or with your machine, whereas software is a collection of code installed onto your computers hard drive. Software, instructions that tell a computer what to do. In computing terms, hardware and software represent the two. Software definition and meaning collins english dictionary. Hardware is a physical component that exists in machinery. Computers a computer and the associated physical equipment directly involved in the. Metal goods and utensils such as locks, tools, and cutlery. Computer hardware includes the physical, tangible parts or components of a computer, such as the cabinet, central processing unit, monitor, keyboard, computer data storage, graphics card, sound card, speakers and motherboard. Organized information in the form of operating systems, utilities, programs, and applications that enable computers to work. In computer science and software engineering, computer software is all information processed by computer systems.
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