Definition of Hardware
Hardware refers to the physical parts of a computer that you can see and touch. Examples of Hardware are monitor, keyboard, mouse, printer and other components including the CPU Box and everything inside it. The most important piece of hardware is a tiny rectangular chip inside your computer, called the central processing unit (CPU), or microprocessor. IT is the "brain" of your computer that processes the instructions it recives from software and performs calculations, based on these processed instructions.
Types of Hardware
Hardware is of two types:
1. External Hardware
2. Internal Hardware
External Hardware devices (peripherals)
External hardware devices is located outside the computer. Examples :- Mouse, touchscreen, monitor, speaker
Internal hardware devices (or internal hardware components)
Internal hardware devices is located inside the computer. Examples :- CPU, harddisk drive, ROM, RAM etc.
Definition of Software
Software refers to the instructions or programs, that tell the hardware what to do. It is not a physical part, but it is stored on a physical medium(such as CD-Rom, Pen drive or Hard disk). Examples of Software are Windows 10, Pubg, Google Chrome, MYSQL, MS Word, MS Excel, Photoshop. Software enhances the capability of the hardware and directs the computer to perform specific type of activities.
Hardware and Software are interdependent. Both are complementary to each other. Hardware needs the Software to operate and Software cannot be utlized without the supporting hardware.
Types of Software
Software is of two types :
1. Application Software
2. System Software
Application Software
It is a set of programs designed to perform some specific type of job, like MS-Word, MS-paint, etc.
System Software
It is a collection of one or more programs that controls and manges the overall operation and performance of a computer system. It acts as an interface between the user and the computer and also provides a platform for running an Application software. Generally, System Software is installed by the manufacturer.
A system software can be classified in to the following categories.
1. Operating System
2. Language Processor
3. Device Drivers
4. Utility Software