A computer is a machine or device that performs processes, calculations and operations based on instructions provided by a software or hardware program. Examples of hardware are cpu, keyboard, mouse, hard disk, etc. In computers, a piece of hardware would be the fan, or the motherboard. 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. For a computer system to be useful it has to consist of both hardware and software. Browse the list of 572 computer hardware acronyms and abbreviations with their meanings and definitions. By contrast, software is instructions that can be stored and run by hardware. In computer systems, hardware refers to the machines themselves as opposed to the programs which tell the machines what to do. The cost of computer hardware has fallen in the last ten years.
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. Whether it be a monitor, tablet, or smartphone, it is hardware without any hardware, your computer would not exist, and software could not be used. 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. This is in contrast to physical hardware, from which the system is built and actually performs the work. Computer hardware is a collective term used to describe any of the physical components of an analog or digital computer.
What is the definition of hardware and software answers. Cleaning dusts from ram and video carts slotports and from cooling fan. For example, the computer monitor you are using to read this text and the mouse you are using to navigate this web page is computer hardware. A computer s hardware is comprised of many different parts, but perhaps the most important of these is the motherboard. A computer system isnt complete unless theres also software, which is different than hardware. Software is useless unless there is hardware to run it on. Computer hardware definition 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. Hardware is a physical component that exists in machinery.
The terms software and hardware are used as both nouns and adjectives. What is software type of software definition of software. Software can also be updated or replaced much easier than hardware. Ultimately, computer software is the systems logic computer users. Software includes all different software programs on a computer, such as applications and the operating system. Hardware definition and meaning collins english dictionary. Information and translations of computer hardware in the most comprehensive dictionary definitions resource on the web. This is usually the actual arm or a piece of it on the outside, or items that make the machine work. Computer hardware is the collection of all the parts you can physically touch. Hardware definition, metalware, as tools, locks, hinges, or cutlery. The concept of hardware and software is explained in detail below. It is designed to execute applications and provides a variety of solutions by combining integrated hardware and software.
Anything that can be stored electronically is software, in contrast to storage devices and display devices which are called hardware. Hardware is like a physical device and used for doing specific task for an example pendrive, memory card,key board and etc software is set of programs that runs for doing a specific task like editing,browsing, playing and much more examples are vl. Most activities can be described in terms of the inputprocessoutput ipo cycle. Computer hardware is the physical components that make up the computer system. The physical components of a computer are the hardware, and the digital programs running on the hardware are the software. In computing terms, hardware and software represent the two fundamental. Each specific hardware platform has its own machine language, and programs must be built specifically for a platform that involves a standardized type of processor and associated hardware pieces. Hardware and software are interconnected, without software, the hardware of a computer would have no function. A computers hardware is comprised of many different parts, but perhaps the most important of these is the motherboard. Computer hardware consists of interconnected electronic devices that we can use to control computers operation, input and output. What is the difference between hardware and software. Software definition, the programs used to direct the operation of a computer, as well as documentation giving instructions on how to use them. Software is instructions that tell computer hardware what to do.
Removing, repairing and replacing faulty ram, hard disk or videographic card. Without any hardware, a computer would not function, and software would have nothing to run on. Everything you need to know about computer hardware. The computer is a two part system consisting of a body that is the hardware and a mind that is the software. Software simple english wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Software interacts with you, the hardware youre using, and with hardware that exists elsewhere. What is the difference between software and hardware. The physical components of a computer are the hardware. The definition of computer hardware are the physical pieces that make up a computer including the monitor, keyboard, and cpu. Learn about computer hardware, including internal and external components and. Software can be defined as programmed instructions stored in the memory of flash drives of computers for execution by the processor. Definition, devices that are required to store and execute or run the software. Although a computer can function only when both hardware and software are working together, the speed of a system will largely rely on the hardware used.
Software consists of carefullyorganized instructions and code written by programmers in any of various special computer languages. Collection of instructions that enables a user to interact with the computer. A perfect example of hardware is the screen on which you are viewing this page. A soft software fault has a negligible likelihood or recurrence and is recoverable, whereas a solid software fault is recurrent under normal operations. When discussing software we are mainly talking about programs that can be run on a computer. Input, storage, processing, control, and output devices. Hardware refers to the physical pieces of a computer while software refers to the programs stored within it. The problem lies in the software, meaning that there is a problem with the program or data, not with the computer itself.
Software definition is something used or associated with and usually contrasted with hardware. Definition and analysis of hardware and softwarefault. Ram is volatile, meaning that data remains in ram if the computer is on, but its. Computer hardware and software now that you know a little bit about the history of computers and how they are useful in various work situations throughout the world, this lesson will tell you what makes up todays personal computer pc. A structured definition of hardware and software faulttolerant architectures is presented. The difference between hardware and software is an idea that seems to be too easy for some users. Examples of hardware in a computer are the processor, memory devices, monitor, printer, keyboard, mouse, and the central processing unit.
Some processes within hardware troubleshooting include. Computer hardware and software collateral means a all of the grantors computer and other electronic data processing hardware, integrated computer systems, central processing units, memory units, display terminals, printers, features, computer elements, card readers, tape drives, hard and soft disk drives, cables, electrical supply hardware, generators, power equalizers, accessories and. It is an idea that has again transformed the users vision. Software is divided commonly into two main categories. Glossary of computer system software development terminology 895 note. It may also be superseded because the hardware is replaced with hardware that is not compatible with the software. Hardware is the physical parts of a computer, such as the processor, memory modules and the screen.
You learn about basic computer hardware and the importance of keeping your computer and its data safe. Computer science is the study of both computer hardware and software design. Abbreviated as hw, hardware is best described as any physical component of a computer system that contains a circuit board, ics, or other electronics. Get to know differentiation between hardware and software. A cdrom, computer display monitor, printer, and video card are all examples of computer hardware.
Computer hardware refers to the physical parts of a computer and related devices. 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. Two types of files, firmware and drivers, skirt the edge of the definition of software. A hardware platform is a set of compatible hardware on which software applications can be run. Software is the variable part of a computer while hardware as the invariable part, i. The growth of the computer and consumer electronics industries is driven by a steady stream of advances in both hardware and software. Diagnostic software is defined as computer programs that determine problems and issues in hardware and software on the 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. Software is a generic term for organized collections of computer data and instructions, often broken into two major categories. Hardware and software are interconnected, without software, the hardware of a computer would have no. Hardware refers to the physical parts of a computer that can be seen and touched, while software is simply a collection of programs, data and procedures that perform various tasks on the computer system. Computer software, or simply software, is a collection of data or computer instructions that tell the computer how to work. In contrast to software, hardware is a physical entity. The meaning of the term has evolved to mean a storedprogram computer in.
Computer hardware definition of computer hardware by the. For computers, hardware refers to the physical property that makes up a system. Much of our existing military hardware is obsolescent. See the software and hardware definitions for further information and related. A computer therefore, is a collection of electronic parts body with a set of instructions controlling it mind. Applications are programs that are designed to perform a specific operation, such as a game or a word processor. For example, a photosharing software program on your pc or phone works with you and your hardware to take a photo and then communicates with servers and other devices on the internet to show that photo on your friends devices. Lexras new hardwaresoftware development board allows designers to prototype hardware and develop software for their soc asic designs a significant challenge to integrating thirdparty intellectual property cores, especially powerful embedded processors, is the lack of a prototyping vehicle that can be used to test the hardware design and develop software.
Computer hardware definition computer software and computer. The term is often used in regard to the stage of development, as in the passage of a device or component from the design stage into the hardware stage as the finished object. Software definition and meaning collins english dictionary. Definition of computer hardware and software collateral. 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. The term hardware refers to mechanical device that makes up computer. What are the differences between hardware and software. Hardware and software are two terms youve probably heard of at some point or another.
List of all most popular abbreviated computer hardware terms defined. 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. Software meaning in the cambridge english dictionary. Hardware definition the tech terms computer dictionary. Hardware definition of hardware by the free dictionary. Computer hardware definition computer software and. Internal hardware devices include motherboards, hard drives, and ram. Software faulttolerance methods are discussed, resulting in definitions for soft and solid faults. The operating system is often described as a translator.
Software is a program that enables a computer to perform a specific task, as opposed to the physical components of the system hardware. The internal hardware parts of a computer are often referred to as components. Software is defined as the virtual programs that run on your computer. Computer hardware is any physical device used in or with your machine, whereas software is a collection of code installed onto your computer s hard drive. It can be modified and reused, as it has no permanent shape and structure. Computer software, on the other hand, is not something you can touch.
It encompasses both the study of theoretical algorithms and the practical problems involved in implementing them through computer hardware and software. The odds are high that you use both on a daily basis, whether its with your smartphone or personal computer. Hardware meaning in the cambridge english dictionary. Software is a set of instructions for a computer to perform specific operations. It has the permanent shape and structure, which cannot be modified. Hardware and software are interconnected, without software, the hardware of a computer. As compared to the hardware the software is the set of instructions that make the hardware work. Mar 31, 2020 computer hardware components individually heat up and cool down as theyre used and then not used, meaning that eventually, every single one will fail. There are several differences between computer hardware and software.
The hardware and software are the main components of. The machine allows multitasking without the need to buy extra hardware. Operating system is defined as a system software that manages. Hardware vs software difference and comparison diffen.
Hardware definition is ware such as fittings, cutlery, tools, utensils, or parts of machines made of metal. Hardware, software, operating systems explained hardware. In information technology, hardware is the physical aspect of computers, telecommunications, and other devices. The data and the related components that are available on the hard drive are also considered the same. The software is data thats stored electronically, like an operating system or a video editing tool, which runs on the hardware. Difference between hardware and software geeksforgeeks. This document is reference material for investigators and other fda personnel. In fact a bigger problem, take for example someone still running a software program that is no longer supported and upgrades are no longer available, installing it on a new pc can in fact crash the computer due to incompatibility issues between the hardware on the computer and the. In data automation, the physical equipment or devices forming a computer and peripheral components. External hardware devices include monitors, keyboards, mice, printers, and scanners. This may include obvious things like the keyboard and mouse.
The thieves stole thousands of pounds worth of computer hardware. Though its true that hardware is usually the cause of performance issues, software can just as well be a problem. Computer software, also called software, is a set of instructions and its documentations that tells a computer what to do or how to perform a task. It is the programming language that makes hardware functional.
587 18 706 971 429 818 1540 1324 1408 1377 1465 1134 41 138 728 159 1417 412 1472 645 71 772 1042 1064 1101 842 593 301 458 1140 462 857 129 1490 1488