Basics of Computer Hardware and Software – DataFlair

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The hardware and the software make up a complete operating computer system. Hardware is the mechanical device in a computer system that is interconnected for operation. The user may not be able to see all the hardware devices because they are internal to the computer’s casing.

An example of this would be storage drives. Most of the hardware devices are a part of the motherboard that is responsible for controlling the computer.

Software, on the other hand, works on the idea of instructing programs in computer language for execution. They tell the device what to perform and how to do it using a set of instructions.

The software developers design the programs in such a way that there are instructions for all kinds of tasks. This is by using a high-level programming language which is then translated to binary form for the computer to read.

But software and hardware cannot function without each other. Hardware needs instruction to perform while software needs a processor to instruct. Thus they are dependent on each other.

Computer Hardware Components

1. Peripheral Devices

These devices are the ones that provide input/output to the computer externally. They are auxiliary devices meant to form a connection with the device externally via a cable or Bluetooth to function. Some examples are mouse, headphones, etc. 

2. Input devices

The input device allows the user to send data or information to the computer to perform a task. Keyboards, joysticks, mouse, etc. are some of the examples. 

3. Output devices

The output device completes the task related to the data sent by the input device. They receive the data from the input devices and execute the tasks accordingly. Printers, monitors, headphones, etc. are some of the output devices.

4. Secondary storage devices

The place where all the data on the computer goes is a storage device. This allows users to access all the data safely and without any trouble. This device is one of the core components of a computer system.

It is a hardware device to store digital data in multiple forms like text, images, audio, etc. Some examples are – hard drives, USBs, memory cards, etc.

5. Internal components

The components that are already a part of the motherboard and the system are internal components. Computer memory is internal to the system, becoming a good example of this.

Many devices may become a part of the system from inside using ribbon cables and insertion cards. Some examples are – RAM, CPU, etc.

When any of these devices start performing poorly, the system replaces or upgrades. This process of changing the device refers to hardware upgrades. Like users often upgrade their RAM to have more space in the computer.

Computer Hardware Architecture

Can a computer run without hardware?

The need for the hardware in a computer system depends on which device we are talking about. Devices like a hard drive, keyboard, memory, etc, are essential to function. Absence or fault in any of these can lead to errors in the computer system.

Adding external devices like speakers, modem, etc. is not integral but can definitely improve user experience. The software enables users to interact with hardware and complete tasks on the system.

Computer Software

1. System Software

The software that runs the computer by activating, controlling, and coordinating the hardware is system software. They also control the application programs on the computer. They differ according to the function they need to perform in the computer system. Some of the examples are –

a. Operating System

The most relevant example of system software is an operating system. It is an interface connecting the users to the computer hardware. Linux, Windows, Edge, etc. are a few famous operating systems that people use.

b. BIOS

A basic input-output system is part of Read-Only Memory or flash memory. The first software that users activate at their computer is BIOS because it loads the drivers to assist storage of operating systems. It has a set of commands to make the devices perform effectively.

The starting up of a device refers to boot, the ROM commands automatic execution of loading boot in memory once the device starts.

c. Device driver

It is responsible for controlling computer hardware by providing an interface. The kernel uses this software to communicate with the processor. The operating systems usually have these drivers to work with hardware systems.

d. Assembler

It is a language program with input being an assembly and output being an object. The programmer has a basic interpretation machine that uses hardware for fundamental instructions. It uses machine language to get machine memory in place.

e. Compiler

System software that takes care of high-level languages by accepting the source program and producing a corresponding object program. An interpreter is a program responsible for executing a source program. FORTRAN, COBOL, etc. may designate to a compiler and its associated language.

f. Loader

A system software responsible for loading the program and executing it is a loader. Absolute, relocating, and direct-linking are some of the loading schemes. The assembler outputs the program to the device and the loader executes it. This is a smaller program compared to the assembler.

g. Features of a system software

• They are very close to the system.

• They have a very fast speed.

• These are difficult to design and understand.

• They are less interactive.

• They have small size.

• These are hard to manipulate.

• They usually use low-level language.

2. Application Software

This type of software is for specific tasks related to end-users and their ease. Unlike system software, a computer doesn’t need them to function. The users can install and uninstall this software according to their needs. They may have only one program or a collection according to tasks. Some of its types are –

1. Word Processing Software

This software is for creating editable documents that users can keep going back to. They can add textual content or edit the existing one when necessary. Other than this, multiple other features are depending on the particular application. Some examples are – Ms Word, Google Docs, Wordpad, etc. 

2. Spreadsheet Software

This is for making spreadsheets and deals with information/data. It has grids and columns to tabulate all the data properly making it easy for the user to maintain records. It enables data processing of even larger files.

There is an option to calculate using different formulas as well. Some examples are – Ms Excel, Google Sheets, etc.

3. Multimedia Software

These are for editing videos, audios, and texts and allows users to combine all of them as well. They can improve their documents with interesting visuals and sounds using multimedia software. Some examples are – VLC player, Premier Pro, Window Media Player, etc.

4. Enterprise Software

These are for particular business functions when the organizations have multiple tasks to take care of regularly. This may be for accounting, billing, inventory management, web traffic analysis, etc. Some examples are – Mailchimp, Google analytics, customer support system, etc.

5. Programming Software

These are software for writing other programs by translating programming languages into machine language. The developers use them to create, debug, and maintain applications.

Programming or software development tools are a few other names for it. Some examples are –
Eclipse, Coda, Notepad++, etc.

Features of application software

• Closer to the user.

• Easy to design and understand.

• Interactive.

• Have a slow speed.

• Usually use high-level language.

• Easy to manipulate and use.

• Need large storage space in a device.

Can a computer run without the software?

Mostly no, a computer cannot function without installing software. In absence of an operating system, the computer is likely to work with error or without output. Having software allows it to explore supplementary capacities. Users can save time with faster results using the software.

A word processor is not necessary but is helpful for creating documents, cloud computing is not important but users can easily run programs on it. Thus, the importance of software is unavoidable and we will keep using it for our daily tasks. 

Difference Between Computer Hardware and Software

BasisHardwareSoftwareType

It is the physical part of the device that takes care of data processing.

It is internal to the computer that uses a set of instructions to command the device for different tasks. 

Development

It is made by manufacturing.

It is made by developers and engineers.

Language

Uses binary codes to function.

Relies on high-level programming languages to function.

Function

Monitors machine-level tasks.

Monitors the hardware functioning.

Dependency 

It depends on the software to execute the task.

It depends on hardware to process the information.

Tangible

They are tangible and thus we can see and touch hardware.

They are intangible and thus we can’t see and touch software.

Use

Works for most of the computers in general as they have uniform architecture.

Is designed according to the computer system and updates according to user preference. 

Categories

It mainly consists of input devices, output devices, storage, and internal components.

System software and Application software are two of its major types.

Components

Integrated Circuits, diodes, registers, crystals, insulators, etc.

Numbers, alphabets, symbols, keywords, etc.

Protection

The viruses cannot attack the hardware system.

The viruses can attack the software system.

Faults

They are very random and hard to find.

Usually have something to do with the system and troubleshoots automatically.

Transfer

Their electric transmission is possible from one place to another electrically using a network.

They can easily transfer from different locations using the network.

Durability

Depreciates over time.

Keeps updating with time.

Replacement

In case of damage, a new device replaces the hardware.

In case of damage, it undergoes reinstallation.

Examples

Keyboard, Monitor, Printer, CPU, Hard disk, ROM, etc.

Ms Word, Operating system, Photoshop, MySQL, etc.

Firmware

It is a low-level program that performs a very specific function in guiding hardware for the execution of its tasks. They are mostly permanent and are difficult to manipulate after development. Some people believe that it is part of the hardware system but it is beyond this belief.

It enables the hardware to function by instructing. Don’t confuse it for the operating system as it cannot be changed after development. It controls specific devices but the operating system takes care of the functions above it.

Relationship between Hardware and Software

• They depend on each other to make the computer system work efficiently. 

• The software needs the support of hardware to utilize its features.

• Hardware needs programs to operate which only software can provide.

• For specific tasks, multiple software needs to be loaded in the hardware to perform. 

• Hardware is a one-time investment while the software is a continuous one.

• Software is an interface allowing users to use hardware.

Conclusion

These are the two most fundamental concepts of computer aptitude. Not just for competitive exams but they are useful to understand the daily computer tasks as well.

This is why government exams like UPSC, RRB, RBI, Banking, etc. have this either in the computer aptitude or general knowledge section. All the applicants should know about these terms to improve their practical skills and their exam results.

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