Running head: COMPUTER HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE 1

Computer Hardware and Software

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Computer Hardware and Software

The functionality of a computer is basically achieved through the hardware and software

parts. The two are independent computer elements that work in coordination to execute tasks

issued by the user. Computers use hardware devices to embody and direct the software that runs

inside. The two elements have to therefore work in coordination to achieve full computer

functionality.

Computer hardware is a made up of the physical devices inside and outside the computer.

These devices are grouped under input, output, processing, and storage. The complexity of

hardware ranges from simple computer parts such as the casing to more complex ones such as

the processor, random access memory chips and graphic cards (Ogden Air Logistics Center

(U.S.), 2006). A hardware engineer has to ensure that the design and development of the

hardware element meets the end user’s needs such as processor speed, the hard disk memory size

and the ability of the computer hardware to lose heat through the structural design of the casing,

the heat sink and fan. Additionally, the hardware components have to be compatible with the

software components of the computer. This is because lack of compatibility does not implicate

failure of the hardware part but rather the entire computer.

Computer software is the part of computer that is mandated with execution of programs,

tasks, processes and services that the computer is instructed by the user. Basic software programs

in the computer include booting, shutting down, displaying a message or song. However, these

are small modules representing larger functionality of the platform in which the computer

operates. This is in consideration of complex computer software for example an operating system

which embodies all the other sub programs. Software can therefore be considered as a system

that is made up of small modules or programs that work with the hardware parts to achieve tasks
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assigned by the user. Software range from system software which are those that the computer

must have to perform basic tasks such as booting and shutting down (operating system) to

tertiary ones for example Microsoft word which are also known as applications and

programming software (Sommerville, 2016). A software engineer designs and develops software

programs that are expected to yield certain functionalities.

My interest in computer hardware is driven by high passion in designing and developing

highly and technologically advanced computer parts in an era where computing is at the center of

many businesses. As such, I would love exploring new technological inventions in the world of

computing and hardware is one of the key areas of interest. I also am interested in software

engineering in the sense that contemporary world focuses on software oriented business models

with the likes of website applications, cloud computing applications and internet security

services, all which require high professionalism in software knowledge.

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References
Ogden Air Logistics Center (U.S.). (2006). Software and hardware engineering solutions!

Sommerville, I. (2016). Software engineering. Harlow: Pearson Education.