Basics of Computer Hardware

and Software
BY DATAFLAIR TEAM
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The hardware and the software make up a complete operating
computer system. Hardware is the mechanical device in a
computer system that is interconnected for operation. The user may
not be able to see all the hardware devices because they are
internal to the computer’s casing.
An example of this would be storage drives. Most of the hardware
devices are a part of the motherboard that is responsible for
controlling the computer.
Software, on the other hand, works on the idea of instructing
programs in computer language for execution. They tell the device
what to perform and how to do it using a set of instructions.
The software developers design the programs in such a way that
there are instructions for all kinds of tasks. This is by using a high-
level programming language which is then translated to binary form
for the computer to read.
But software and hardware cannot function without each other.
Hardware needs instruction to perform while software needs a
processor to instruct. Thus they are dependent on each other.
Computer Hardware Components
1. Peripheral Devices
These devices are the ones that provide input/output to the
computer externally. They are auxiliary devices meant to form a
connection with the device externally via a cable or Bluetooth to
function. Some examples are mouse, headphones, etc.
2. Input devices
The input device allows the user to send data or information to the
computer to perform a task. Keyboards, joysticks, mouse, etc. are
some of the examples.
3. Output devices
The output device completes the task related to the data sent by
the input device. They receive the data from the input devices and
execute the tasks accordingly. Printers, monitors, headphones, etc.
are some of the output devices.

4. Secondary storage devices

The place where all the data on the computer goes is a storage
device. This allows users to access all the data safely and without
any trouble. This device is one of the core components of a
computer system.

It is a hardware device to store digital data in multiple forms like

text, images, audio, etc. Some examples are – hard drives, USBs,
memory cards, etc.

5. Internal components
The components that are already a part of the motherboard and the
system are internal components. Computer memory is internal to
the system, becoming a good example of this.

Many devices may become a part of the system from inside using
ribbon cables and insertion cards. Some examples are – RAM, CPU,
etc.

When any of these devices start performing poorly, the system

replaces or upgrades. This process of changing the device refers to
hardware upgrades. Like users often upgrade their RAM to have
more space in the computer.
Computer Hardware Architecture

Can a computer run without hardware?

The need for the hardware in a computer system depends on which
device we are talking about. Devices like a hard drive, keyboard,
memory, etc, are essential to function. Absence or fault in any of
these can lead to errors in the computer system.
Adding external devices like speakers, modem, etc. is not integral
but can definitely improve user experience. The software enables
users to interact with hardware and complete tasks on the system.

Computer Software
1. System Software
The software that runs the computer by activating, controlling, and
coordinating the hardware is system software. They also control the
application programs on the computer. They differ according to the
function they need to perform in the computer system. Some of the
examples are –

a. Operating System
The most relevant example of system software is an operating
system. It is an interface connecting the users to the computer
hardware. Linux, Windows, Edge, etc. are a few famous operating
systems that people use.

b. BIOS
A basic input-output system is part of Read-Only Memory or flash
memory. The first software that users activate at their computer is
BIOS because it loads the drivers to assist storage of operating
systems. It has a set of commands to make the devices perform
effectively.

The starting up of a device refers to boot, the ROM commands

automatic execution of loading boot in memory once the device
starts.

c. Device driver
It is responsible for controlling computer hardware by providing an
interface. The kernel uses this software to communicate with the
processor. The operating systems usually have these drivers to
work with hardware systems.

d. Assembler
It is a language program with input being an assembly and output
being an object. The programmer has a basic interpretation
machine that uses hardware for fundamental instructions. It uses
machine language to get machine memory in place.
e. Compiler
System software that takes care of high-level languages by
accepting the source program and producing a corresponding
object program. An interpreter is a program responsible for
executing a source program. FORTRAN, COBOL, etc. may
designate to a compiler and its associated language.

f. Loader
A system software responsible for loading the program and
executing it is a loader. Absolute, relocating, and direct-linking are
some of the loading schemes. The assembler outputs the program
to the device and the loader executes it. This is a smaller program
compared to the assembler.

g. Features of a system software

 They are very close to the system.
 They have a very fast speed.
 These are difficult to design and understand.
 They are less interactive.
 They have small size.
 These are hard to manipulate.
 They usually use low-level language.
2. Application Software
This type of software is for specific tasks related to end-users and
their ease. Unlike system software, a computer doesn’t need them
to function. The users can install and uninstall this software
according to their needs. They may have only one program or a
collection according to tasks. Some of its types are –
1. Word Processing Software
This software is for creating editable documents that users can keep
going back to. They can add textual content or edit the existing one
when necessary. Other than this, multiple other features are
depending on the particular application. Some examples are – Ms
Word, Google Docs, Wordpad, etc.
2. Spreadsheet Software
This is for making spreadsheets and deals with information/data. It
has grids and columns to tabulate all the data properly making it
easy for the user to maintain records. It enables data processing of
even larger files.

There is an option to calculate using different formulas as well.

Some examples are – Ms Excel, Google Sheets, etc.

3. Multimedia Software
These are for editing videos, audios, and texts and allows users to
combine all of them as well. They can improve their documents
with interesting visuals and sounds using multimedia software.
Some examples are – VLC player, Premier Pro, Window Media
Player, etc.

4. Enterprise Software
These are for particular business functions when the organizations
have multiple tasks to take care of regularly. This may be for
accounting, billing, inventory management, web traffic analysis, etc.
Some examples are – Mailchimp, Google analytics, customer support
system, etc.
5. Programming Software
These are software for writing other programs by translating
programming languages into machine language. The developers
use them to create, debug, and maintain applications.

Programming or software development tools are a few other names

for it. Some examples are –
Eclipse, Coda, Notepad++, etc.
Features of application software
 Closer to the user.
 Easy to design and understand.
 Interactive.
 Have a slow speed.
 Usually use high-level language.
 Easy to manipulate and use.
 Need large storage space in a device.
Can a computer run without the software?
Mostly no, a computer cannot function without installing software. In
absence of an operating system, the computer is likely to work with
error or without output. Having software allows it to explore
supplementary capacities. Users can save time with faster results
using the software.
A word processor is not necessary but is helpful for creating
documents, cloud computing is not important but users can easily
run programs on it. Thus, the importance of software is unavoidable
and we will keep using it for our daily tasks.
Difference Between Computer Hardware
and Software
Basis Hardware
It is internal
Type It is the physical part of the device that takes care of data processing.

Develop
It is made by manufacturing in industry.
ment
Language Uses binary codes to function. Re
Function Monitors machine-level tasks.
Depende
It depends on the software to execute the task.
ncy
Tangible They are tangible and thus we can see and touch hardware. They
Use Works for most of the computers in general as they have uniform Is designed a
architecture.
Categorie It mainly consists of input devices, output devices, storage, and internal
System
s components.
Compone
Integrated Circuits, diodes, registers, crystals, insulators, etc.
nts
Protectio
The viruses cannot attack the hardware system.
n
Faults They are very random and hard to find. Usually have s
Their electric transmission is possible from one place to another
Transfer They ca
electrically using a network.
Durability Depreciates over time.
Replacem
In case of damage, a new device replaces the hardware.
ent
Examples Keyboard, Monitor, Printer, CPU, Hard disk, ROM, etc.

Firmware
It is a low-level program that performs a very specific function in
guiding hardware for the execution of its tasks. They are mostly
permanent and are difficult to manipulate after development. Some
people believe that it is part of the hardware system but it is
beyond this belief.

It enables the hardware to function by instructing. Don’t confuse it

for the operating system as it cannot be changed after
development. It controls specific devices but the operating system
takes care of the functions above it.

Relationship between Hardware and

Software
 They depend on each other to make the computer system work
efficiently.
 The software needs the support of hardware to utilize its
features.
 Hardware needs programs to operate which only software can
provide.
 For specific tasks, multiple software needs to be loaded in the
hardware to perform.
 Hardware is a one-time investment while the software is a
continuous one.
 Software is an interface allowing users to use hardware.