Introduction to Hardware and Software

Software and hardware are the two primary components of a computer. The visible and touchable physical or tangible part of a computer is called hardware. 

Software is an ethereal element that cannot be seen with the naked eye but is essential to the operation of a computer. 

Introduction to Hardware

1. Keyboard

One of a computer's most crucial input devices is the keyboard. A keyboard's design enables users to enter text, characters, and other commands into computers, tablets, desktops, and other devices directly. 

Keyboard

2. Mouse

A mouse may be characterized as a little,  handheld object. This tool is made to move or operate the cursor in a GUI (Graphical User Interface). A mouse essentially aids the user in selecting or pointing to any object that is present on the computer's display screen.

Mouse

3. Printer

The printer is an external hardware output device. printer converts digital data stored on a computer or other device into a physical copy.

Printer

4. Monitor

The display unit of a computer is known as a monitor. All the processed data, such as texts and photos, are presented right on the screen. A screen circuit is another component of a monitor. 

Monitor

5. Hard Disc

A non-volatile data storage device is a computer hard disc drive (HDD). Non-volatile storage devices are those that retain data even after being switched off. HDDs are only one form of storage device, yet they are required by all computers.

Hard Disc

6. Speakers

A computer speaker is a device used for audio output that is connected to a computer. The sound card in the computer generates the signal that is needed to generate the sound that originates from a computer speaker.

Speakers

7. Scanner

A scanner is a computing device that can take pictures of tangible objects and transform them into digital forms that may then be stored in a computer and viewed or altered using software programs.

Scanner

8. Motherboard

The motherboard is the thin circuit board, Except for  this board keeps essentially all of the components of a computer together. This indicates that the motherboard is where the CPU, RAM, ports for input and output devices, and hard drives are all found.

Motherboard

9. CPU

A central processing unit (CPU), is the electronic circuitry that performs instructions comprising a computer program. The CPU performs basic arithmetic, logic and input/output tasks specified by the instructions in the given program. 

CPU

Introduction to Software

A set of instructions provided to the computer to carry out a certain task is known as computer software.

The portion of a computer that cannot be seen or handled is known as its software.

When we input data into a computer, it first goes through input devices before being processed by software in the CPU. It receives user input, processes it, and outputs the result on the monitor.

Application software is a term used to describe software that is created to do a certain kind of task.

Few examples of Software are:

• Internet Browser

• Audio Player

• Video Player

• Operating System

• Game Software

Relationship between Hardware and Software

Hardware and software have a complex relationship with one another. The hardware and software worlds are interdependent. 

For a computer to function, both of these parts must cooperate. Without the aid of hardware, software installation is impossible. In a similar vein, a computer that only has hardware is totally worthless. This is due to the fact that in order to complete a work, the necessary software must be accessible. 

Hardware purchases are often one-time costs. Software, on the other hand, must be acquired on a periodic basis and can be rather expensive. It will be necessary to use different hardware for various tasks.

Typically, the software serves as a bridge between the user and the hardware. We can draw the conclusion that if a computer's hardware is its "heart," its software is its "soul." They complement one another's efforts in their work.

Solved Questions

1. What are the physical parts of a computer?

Ans: Hardware is the physical parts of the computer, they describe the physical parts of the computer or its delivery mechanisms for the software's written instructions to be stored and executed. 

2. What are the logical parts of a computer?

Ans: Software is the logical part of a computer, these are a set of instructions provided to the computer to carry out a certain task known as computer software. The portion of a computer that cannot be seen or handled is known as its software.

3. What is the relation between Hardware and Software?

Ans: The hardware and software of computers are closely related to one another. Software is a collection of codes and instructions that explain how to use hardware, including computers. A computer or other hardware device can be used to read and run this code.

Learning by Doing 

Choose the correct:

1. Which of the following is an input hardware device?

1. Monitor

2. Mouse

3. Printer

2. Which of the following is a Software?

1. Scanner

2. Keyboard

3. Operating system

Write true or false:

1. The hard and software worlds are interdependent. (T/F)

2. A keyboard is Software. (T/F)

3. Hardware is the physical part of the computer. (T/F)

Summary

• Software and hardware are the two primary components of a computer. 

• The visible and touchable physical or tangible part of a computer is called hardware. 

• Software is an ethereal element that cannot be seen with the naked eye but is essential to the operation of a computer. 

• Input-output devices, supplementary storage, and other internal components are further divisions of hardware. 

• Hardware and software are mutually dependent on one another and one cannot work without the other.