Hardware and

Software
OBJECTIVE OVERVIEW;
BRIEF EXPLANATION OF HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE.
EXAMPLE OF HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE.
TYPES OF HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE.
DESCRIBE HOW A SOFTWARE INTERACTS WITH HARDWARE.
ADVANTAGE AND DISADVANTAGE OF HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE.
 Hardware is the most visible part of any information system or the physical parts of a computer,
such as the case, central processing unit, monitor, mouse, keyboard, computer data storage, graphics
card, sound card, speakers and motherboard.

 Software consist of a series of related instructions, organized for a common purpose, that tells the
computer what tasks to perform and how to perform them. An example of software is Excel
,Windows , iTunes or Word processing programs and Internet browsers are examples of software.
TYPES OF HARDWARE
 Input devices: For raw data input. For examples (Mouse, touchpad, Microphone and midi
keyboard, Webcam, digital camera, Ethernet hardware and Bluetooth/wireless hardware.)
 Processing devices: To process raw data instructions into information. (An AMD microprocessor is
an example of a processing device.)
 Output devices: To disseminate data and information.( speaker, printer and monitor etc )
 Storage devices: For data and information retention. (optical disks, flash disks, and external disk
drives and hard disk)
 Can a computer run without hardware?
This all depends on the hardware in question. Most computers require at least a display, hard drive,
keyboard, memory, motherboard, processor, power supply, and video card to properly function.
If any of these devices are absent or faulty, an error is encountered, or the computer will not start. Adding
hardware such as a disc drive (e.g. CD-ROM or DVD), modem, mouse, network card, printer, sound card, or
speakers are not required, but give the computer additional functionality.

Can a computer run without software?

In most situations, yes, a computer can operate without software being installed. Nevertheless, if an operating system or
interpreter is not found on the computer, it either generates an error or doesn’t output any information.
Installing programs onto the computer along with an operating system gives the computer supplementary capacities. For
example, a word processor is not required, but it allows you to create documents as well as letters.

Illustration ;
All software uses at least one hardware device to run. Take for example, a video game, which is software; it uses
the computer processor (CPU), memory (RAM), hard drive, and video card to work. Word processing software
uses the computer processor, memory, and hard drive to generate and save documents.
TYPES OF SOFTWARE
1. System software
2. Application software.

System software controls a computer’s internal functioning, chiefly through an operating system, and also controls
such peripherals as monitors, printers, and storage devices. Generally, users do not interact with system software as it works in
the background.

Application software by contrast, directs the computer to execute commands given by the user and may be said to include any
program that processes data for a user. Application software thus includes word processors, spreadsheets, database management,
inventory and payroll programs, and many other “applications.”
Application software, also known as an application or an "app", is computer software designed to help the user to perform
specific tasks.
EXAMPLES;
1) Opera (Web Browser)
2) Microsoft Word (Word Processing)
3) Microsoft Excel (Spreadsheet software)
4) MySQL (Database Software)
5) Microsoft PowerPoint (Presentation Software)
6) Adobe Photoshop (Graphics Software)
Users always interact with application software while doing different activities.
All parts of a computer that are not strictly physical, such as data, programs, applications, protocols, etc., are broadly defined as
“software.” Although software has no material form, it is no less critical to receive information, encode, store and process it.
Computer software includes all executable and non-executable data, such as documents, digital media, libraries, and online
information. A computer’s operating system (OS) and all its applications are software as well. A computer works with software
programs that are sent to its underlying hardware architecture for reading, interpretation and execution.

DEFINITION - WHAT DOES OPERATING SYSTEM (OS) MEAN? An operating system (OS), in its most general sense, is
software that allows a user to run other applications on a computing device. The operating system manages a computer's
software hardware resources, including: Input devices such as a keyboard and mouse. Output devices such as display monitors,
printers and scanners. Network devices such as modems, routers and network connections. Storage devices such as internal and
external drives. The OS also provides services to facilitate the efficient execution and management of, and memory allocations
for, any additional installed software application programs. If several programs are running at the same time (such as an
Internet browser, firewall, and antivirus), the OS will allocate the computer’s resources (memory, CPU, and storage) to make
sure that each one of them receives what is needed to function. While it is possible for a software application to interface
directly with hardware, the vast majority of applications are written for an OS, which allows them to take advantage of
common libraries and not worry about specific hardware details. In this regard, the OS acts as a comprehensive framework with
which all applications can interact in a consistent way, vastly simplifying the whole development process.

Examples for OSs include: Android, iOS, Mac OS X ,Microsoft Windows And Linux Some operating systems were developed
in the 1950s, when computers could only execute one program at a time. Later in the decade, computers included many
software programs, sometimes called libraries, which were linked together to create the beginning of today's operating systems.
The OS consists of many components and features. Which features are defined as part of the OS vary with each OS.
Advantage of software

1. Their single biggest advantage is that they meet the exact needs of the user. Since they are designed
specifically with one purpose in mind, the user knows that he has to use one specific software to
accomplish his task.
2. The BIOS (essential information/yield framework) kicks pc framework off after you switch it on and
deals with data stream between OS and connected gadgets like hard plate, video connector, console,
mouse, and printer.
3. With assistance of boot program OS is introduced into PC principle memory and arbitrary access
memory.
4. A constructing agent took PC directions and change them into an example of pieces with the assistance
of which PC’s processor cycle activity.
5. A gadget driver controls a particular kind of gadget that is appended to your PC, similar to a console or
a mouse. main thrust program changes over more broad information/yield guidelines of OS to
messages that gadget type can comprehend.
6. The threat of viruses invading custom-made applications is very small, since any business that
incorporates it can restrict access and can come up with means to protect their network as well.
7. Licensed application software gets regular updates from the developer for security reasons.
Additionally, the developer also regularly sends personnel to correct any problems that may arise from
time to time.
Disadvantage of a software

1. Developing application software designed to meet specific purposes can prove to be quite costly for
developers. This can affect their budget and their revenue flow, especially if too much time is spent
developing a software that is not generally acceptable.

2. Individuals don’t as a rule grasp change simply for it. there’s consistently hazard engaged with changing
existing practices — to reword an English saying “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it!”.

3. The most straightforward explanation could be that people much same as the look or sound of most
recent innovation and an organization needs to be seen at “forefront” of innovation. Introducing a
substitution hello there tech programming makes corporate off look good. Organizations can utilize this
opportunity to harvest some of contrary advantages that a substitution framework may bring.

4. All the more regularly, organizations grow new programming frameworks as a consequences of outer
powers. Expenses could likewise be rising and new programming could diminish overheads. There could
likewise be serious weights and except if changes are made to business measures, a partnership will lose
its serious edge.

5. Some software that are designed specifically for a certain business, may not be compatible with other
general software. This is something that can prove to be a major stumbling block for many
corporations.
Advantages of hardware

1. Reduce costs by automating routine tasks, such as record-keeping, accounting

and payroll
2. Improve customer service or supplier relationships
3. Develop more effective communication within the business or with customers
4. Increase business efficiency and staff productivity
5. Increase employee morale
6. Expand your business offer or reach new markets - eg through an online shop
7. Develop a competitive advantage by implementing the right business
technology

Disadvantages of hardware
1. It slows down when over heat .
2. Socket/motherboard/CPU compatibility ; so that you always need compatible
mother board and CPU.