How to Distinguish between Computer
Hardware and Software
You may have heard the words
hardware and
software before and wondered what the difference was. The hardware
is all the tangible computer equipment, such as the
keyboard and
mouse. The software is what makes the hardware work or lets you get
things done, such as writing documents with Microsoft Word or playing a
Solitaire game.
Think of computer hardware as being like your television set and
the shows that you watch as being like the software.
Hardware you'll find on
your computer
The hardware on your computer consists of
A centralprocessingunit (CPU), which is the
very small, very high-tech semiconductor chip that acts as the brains of your
computer. The CPU is stored in a computer tower along with the other nuts and
bolts of your computer.
A monitor, which displays
images on its screen, such as the Microsoft Windows desktop or a document in a
software program.
A
keyboard, which is similar
to a typewriter keyboard. In addition to typing words, you can use a keyboard
to give the computer commands.
A
mouse, which you also
use to give your computer commands. You move the mouse around your desk with
your hand, which moves a pointer around on-screen. Using this pointer, you can
click items like buttons that cause an action or click the
screen and drag the mouse to
select text or an object to perform an action on it (such as
deleting it or making the text bold).
Peripherals, such as a printer, speakers,
webcams, and microphones. These items may or may not come with your
computer when you buy it, but your computer does come with slots (called ports)
where you plug in various peripherals.
Software that runs stuff
on your computer
Software (also known as programs or applications) is installed
on your computer hard drive, which resides in the computer casing (either in
your
laptop or, for a
desktopcomputer, in the computer tower).
Here are a few basics about software:
You use software to
get your work done, run entertainment programs, and browse the Internet. For
example, Quicken is a financial management program you can use to balance your
checkbook or keep track of your home inventory for insurance purposes.
Some programs come
preinstalled on your computer; you can buy and install other programs as you
need them. For example, there is always an
operatingsystem on a computer, because it runs all the other programs.
Some programs are included with your operating system, such as
Solitaire, an electronic version of the old favorite card game, which comes
with Windows 10.
Skype, a program that enables you to make online phone calls using
your computer, is a popular program that you can find on the Internet and
install on your computer yourself.
You canuninstall
programs you no longer need. Uninstalling unwanted programs helps to free up
some space on your computer, which helps it perform better.
Some software programs
called utilities exist to keep your computer in shape. An
antivirusprogram is an example of a utility used to spot and erase computer
viruses from your system. Your operating system (such as, Windows 10 Home
Premium, which also includes some utilities, like the Windows Defender program.
Windows Defender protects your computer from unwanted intrusion by malicious
programs called
spyware.