What are the differences between hardware and software?
Question
What are the differences between hardware and software?
Answer
Computer hardware is any physical device, something that you are able to touch and software is a collection of instructions and code installed into the computer and cannot be touched. For example, the computer monitor you are using to read this text on and the mouse you are using to navigate this web page is computer hardware. The Internet browser that allowed you to visit this page and the operating system that the browser is running on is software.
Can
a computer run without software?
In most situations, yes, a computer can run without software being installed. However, if an operating system or interpreter is not found on the computer it would either generate an error or sit at a black screen. Installing additional programs onto the computer after the operating system has been installed will only give that computer additional abilities. For example, a word processor is not required, but will allow you to create documents and letters.
Can a computer run without hardware?
Depends
on the hardware. Almost all computer setups will require at least a disk
drive (e.g. hard drive),
display,
keyboard,
memory,
motherboard,
processor,
power supply, and video card in
order to function properly. If any of these devices was missing or had
problems, an error would be encountered, or the computer would not start.
Adding other hardware such as a disc drive (e.g.
CD-ROM or
DVD), modem,
mouse,
network card, printer,
sound card,
speakers, etc. are not required, but
will give the computer additional capabilities.
Additional information
- See the software and hardware definitions for further information and related terms.
- See the hardware listing and software listing for a complete listing of hardware devices and software programs currently found on Computer Hope.
- How can I learn more about computers?