A computer system is divided into two categories: Hardware and Software. Hardware refers to the physical and visible components of the system such as a monitor, CPU, keyboard and mouse. Software, on the other hand, refers to a set of instructions which enable the hardware to perform a specific set of tasks. The software must be installed in the hardware to function properly and similarly, the hardware must be present for the tasks to be performed. Both are interdependent, yet they are also different from each other.
Difference Between Software and Hardware
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This article will bring you the important difference between hardware and software which will be helpful for computer awareness sections of multiple government exams.
Check the post on computer knowledge for more information on computer awareness.
Aspirants can also gain more information on computers by reading articles linked below. These will help in understanding the difference between hardware and software with more clarity.
| Fundamentals of Computers | Important Computer-Related Terms |
| Components of Computers | Input and Output Devices |
| Types of Computer | Computer Abbreviations |
Differences between Hardware and Software
| Hardware |
Software |
Hardware is further divided into four main categories:
|
Software is further divided into two main categories:
|
| Developed using electronic and other materials | Developed writing using instructions using a programming language |
| When damaged, it can be replaced with a new component | When damaged it can be installed once more using a backup copy |
| Hardware is physical in nature and hence one can touch and see hardware | The software cannot be physically touched but still can be used and seen |
| Hardware cannot be infected by Viruses | The software can be infected by Viruses |
| Hardware will physically wear out over time | Software does not wear out but it can be affected by bugs and glitches |
| An example of Hardware is hard drives, monitors, CPU, scanners, printers etc. | An example of software is Windows 10, Adobe Photoshop, Google Chrome etc. |
Read more about the terms used in the table above from the articles mentioned below:
Candidates can check important Computer software and hardware questions on the given link to practice and prepare well.
Both Hardware and Software are covered under the Science and Technology segment of the UPSC Exam. To learn about the topics in this segment, aspirants can refer to the following links.
- Science and Technology Notes for UPSC
- How to approach Science and Technology for UPSC
- UPSC MCQs for Science and Technology
- Weekly Current Affairs Quiz
Aspirants can find more Difference Between Articles, by visiting the linked page
Frequently Asked Questions about Software and Hardware
What is an example of Software?
What is the example of a hardware?
What is the effect of virus on Hardware and Software?
How many types of hardware are there?
What are the different types of software?
For more UPSC Exam related preparation materials visit the following links given below:
UPSC Preparation:
| NCERT Books | UPSC Exam Pattern | Current Affairs Quiz |
| Current Affairs PDF | Daily News Analysis | UPSC 2024 |
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