Hardware
The physical parts of a computer or device
Hardware refers to all the tangible, physical components that you can touch and see.
Examples of Hardware:
- Input Devices: Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner, Camera
- Output Devices: Monitor, Printer, Speakers
- Storage Devices: Hard Disk, SSD, USB Drive
- Processing Components: CPU, GPU, Motherboard, RAM
- Networking Devices: Router, Switch, Access Point
- IoT Devices: Sensors, Microcontrollers, Smart Boards
Software
The programs and applications that run on hardware
Software refers to the intangible instructions that tell hardware what to do. It cannot be touched but can be seen and operated through interfaces.
Examples of Software:
- System Software: Windows, Linux, macOS, Android
- Application Software: MS Office, Browsers, Zoom, Tally
- Utility Software: Antivirus, Backup Tools, File Compression
- Educational Software: LMS platforms, Coding tools, Simulation tools
- Programming Software: Python, Java, IDEs
