Difference Between Hardware and Software

A computer system is divided into two categories: Hardware and Software. Hardware refers
to the physical and visible components of the system such as a monitor, CPU, keyboard and
mouse. Software, on the other hand, refers to a set of instructions which enable the hardware
to perform a specific set of tasks. The software must be installed in the hardware to function
properly and similarly, the hardware must be present for the tasks to be performed. Both are
interdependent, yet they are also different from each other.
This article will bring you the important difference between hardware and software which
will be helpful for computer awareness sections of multiple government exams.
Check the post on computer knowledge for more information on computer awareness.

Aspirants can also gain more information on computers by reading articles linked below.
These will help in understanding the difference between hardware and software with more
clarity.

Fundamentals of Computers Important Computer-Related Terms

Components of Computers Input and Output Devices

 Types of Computer Computer Abbreviations

Differences between Hardware and Software

Hardware Software

Hardware is further divided into four main Software is further divided into two main categories:
categories:
 Application Software
 Input Devices  System Software
 Output Devices
 Secondary Storage Devices
 Internal Components

Developed using electronic and other materials Developed writing using instructions using a
programming language

When damaged, it can be replaced with a new When damaged it can be installed once more using a
component backup copy

Hardware is physical in nature and hence one can The software cannot be physically touched but still
touch and see hardware can be used and seen

Hardware cannot be infected by Viruses The software can be infected by Viruses

Hardware will physically wear out over time Software does not wear out but it can be affected by
bugs and glitches

An example of Hardware is hard drives, monitors, An example of software is Windows 10, Adobe
CPU, scanners, printers etc. Photoshop, Google Chrome etc.
Read more about the terms used in the table above from the articles mentioned below:

1. Computer Virus
2. Difference Between Virus and Malware
3. Microsoft Windows

Candidates can check important Computer software and hardware questions on the given link
to practice and prepare well.
Both Hardware and Software are covered under the Science and Technology segment of the
UPSC Exam. To learn about the topics in this segment, aspirants can refer to the following
links.

 Science and Technology Notes for UPSC

 How to approach Science and Technology for UPSC
 UPSC MCQs for Science and Technology
 Weekly Current Affairs Quiz
Aspirants can find more Difference Between Articles, by visiting the linked page
Difference Between Software and Hardware – Download PDF Here

Frequently Asked Questions about Software and Hardware

What is an example of Software?

Software is the programs and routines for a computer or the program material for an
electronic device which make it run. An example of software is Excel or Windows or iTunes.
Word processing programs and Internet browsers are examples of software.

What is the example of a hardware?

Hardware refers to the physical elements of a computer. Also referred to as the machinery or
the equipment of the computer. Examples of hardware in a computer are the keyboard, the
monitor, the mouse and the processing unit However, most of a computer’s hardware cannot
be seen; It’s inside the computer case.

What is the effect of virus on Hardware and Software?

Hardware is not affected by computer viruses whereas Software gets majorly impacted by the
viruses.

How many types of hardware are there?

Hardware is mainly classified into four main categories that are input devices, output devices,
storage, and internal components.

What are the different types of software?

It is mainly of two types that is System software and Application software.