Computer - Hardware
Hardware
represents the physical and tangible components of a computer, i.e. the
components that can be seen and touched.
Examples of Hardware are the following −
· Input
devices − keyboard, mouse, etc.
· Output
devices − printer, monitor, etc.
· Secondary
storage devices − Hard disk, CD, DVD, etc.
· Internal
components − CPU, motherboard, RAM, etc.
Relationship between
Hardware and Software
· Hardware
and software are mutually dependent on each other. Both of them must work
together to make a computer produce a useful output.
· Software
cannot be utilized without supporting hardware.
· Hardware
without a set of programs to operate upon cannot be utilized and is useless.
· To
get a particular job done on the computer, relevant software should be loaded
into the hardware.
· Hardware
is a one-time expense.
· Software
development is very expensive and is a continuing expense.
· Different
software applications can be loaded on a hardware to run different jobs.
· A
software acts as an interface between the user and the hardware.
· If
the hardware is the 'heart' of a computer system, then the software is its
'soul'. Both are complementary to each other.
