Hardware is the physical part of a computer that you can touch, such as the keyboard, monitor, mouse and the CPU inside the cabinet. Software is the set of programs that tell the hardware what to do, such as Windows, MS Word or a web browser. A simple way to remember it: hardware is the body, software is the brain's instructions. You need both, because hardware without software just sits there, and software needs hardware to run on.
What is hardware
Hardware is anything physical in or attached to the computer. If you can drop it or hold it, it's hardware.
Examples: monitor, keyboard, mouse, CPU chip, RAM, hard disk, printer, motherboard, speakers.
Hardware is divided into input devices, output devices, processing (CPU), memory and storage.
What is software
Software is a set of instructions (programs) that tells the hardware what to do. You can't touch software; it lives as files and code.
Examples: Windows, MS Office, Google Chrome, a mobile app, an antivirus.
The two main types of software
| Type | What it does | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| System software | Runs the computer itself and supports other programs | Windows, macOS, Linux, device drivers |
| Application software | Does a specific task for the user | MS Word, Excel, Chrome, Tally, WhatsApp |
The most important system software is the operating system (like Windows), which manages the hardware and lets you run other programs.
Hardware vs software, at a glance
| Point | Hardware | Software |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Physical, can be touched | Programs/instructions, cannot be touched |
| Example | Keyboard, CPU, monitor | Windows, MS Word |
| Damage | Wears out, can break physically | Can get bugs or viruses, can be reinstalled |
| Made by | Manufacturing | Programming |
How they work together
When you open MS Word (application software), Windows (system software) loads it into memory (hardware) and uses the CPU (hardware) to run it. You type on the keyboard (hardware), and Word (software) shows the letters on the monitor (hardware). Every action is hardware and software cooperating.
Worked example
You print a document: MS Word (application software) sends the file to Windows (system software), which uses the printer driver (system software) to control the printer (hardware). Four pieces, two hardware/software layers, one printout.
Pro tips
- The operating system is the bridge: it lets your applications use the hardware without you managing it.
- Drivers are small system software that let Windows talk to a specific device (printer, webcam).
- If a program misbehaves, you can reinstall the software; a broken part usually needs replacing.
Common mistakes
- Thinking Windows is hardware. Windows is system software; the physical parts are hardware.
- Confusing an app with the device. WhatsApp is software; the phone is hardware.
- Assuming more software makes a slow PC fast. Speed depends on hardware (CPU, RAM) too.
Key takeaways
- Hardware is physical; software is the programs that run on it.
- Software is either system software (like Windows) or application software (like Word).
- The operating system connects applications to the hardware.
- Both are needed; neither is useful alone.
Practice task
Make two lists from the device you're using now: one of five hardware parts, one of five software programs. Then pick one task you do and describe which hardware and which software it uses.
Build a strong computer foundation in the Basic Computer Course (BCC) at HCI.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between hardware and software?
Hardware is the physical part of a computer you can touch, like the keyboard and monitor. Software is the programs that tell the hardware what to do, like Windows and MS Word.
What are the types of software?
The two main types are system software, which runs the computer (like Windows and drivers), and application software, which does specific tasks (like MS Word, Excel or Chrome).
Is Windows hardware or software?
Windows is software, specifically system software (an operating system) that manages the hardware and lets you run other programs.
What is an example of application software?
MS Word, Excel, Google Chrome, Tally and WhatsApp are application software, because each does a specific task for the user.
Can a computer work with only hardware?
No. Hardware needs software to do anything useful. Without an operating system and programs, the hardware just sits idle.