How to Distinguish between Computer Hardware and Software
You may have heard the words hardware and software before and wondered what the difference is. Hardware is all tangible computer equipment, such as a keyboard and mouse. Software is what makes devices work or lets you get things done, like writing documents with Microsoft Word or playing a Solitaire game.
Think of computers as your television and the programs you watch are like programs.
Devices you will find on your PC
The hardware on your computer consists of
1. The Central Processing Unit (CPU), which is a very small, very high-tech semiconductor chip that acts as the brain of your computer. The CPU is stored in your computer tower along with the other nuts and bolts of your computer.
2. A monitor that displays images on its screen, such as a Microsoft Windows desktop or a document in a program.
3. A keyboard similar to a typewriter keyboard. In addition to typing words, you can use a keyboard to give commands to the computer.
4. A mouse, which you also use to give commands to your computer. You move the mouse around your desk with your hand, which moves a pointer on the screen. With this pointer, you can click items such as buttons that cause an action or click on the screen and drag the mouse to select text or an object to perform an action on (such as deleting it or making the text bold).
5. Peripherals, such as printer, speakers, webcams, and microphones. These items may or may not come with your computer when you bought it, but your computer comes with slots (called ports) where you plug in different peripherals.
A program that runs things on your computer
Software (also known as software or applications) is installed on your computer’s hard drive, which is located in the computer casing (either in a laptop or in a desktop computer, in a computer tower).
Here are some basics about the program:
1. You use software to do your work, run entertainment software, and surf the Internet. For example, Quicken is a financial management software that you can use to balance your checkbook or keep track of your home inventory for insurance purposes.
2. Some software comes pre-installed on your computer; You can purchase and install other software as you need it. For example, there is always an operating system on a computer, because it runs all other programs.
3. Some programs are built into your operating system, such as Solitaire, an electronic version of your favorite old card game, that comes with Windows 10. Skype, which enables you to make phone calls over the Internet using your computer, is a popular program Which you can find on the Internet and install it on your computer yourself.
4. You can uninstall programs that you no longer need. Uninstalling unwanted programs helps free up some space on your computer, which helps it perform better.
5. There are some programs called utilities to keep your computer in shape. Antivirus software is an example of a utility used to detect and erase computer viruses from your system. Your operating system (such as Windows 10 Home Premium, which also includes some utilities, such as Windows Defender. Windows Defender protects your computer from unwanted intrusion by malicious software called spyware.