Two major components constitute a typical computer system. These are the physical hardware and the computer software.
Hardware vs. Software: What is the Difference?
For starters, the hardware corresponds to all physical or tangible parts or components of a computer to include the central processing unit, motherboard, graphics processing unit, input components such as keyboards and mouse, and output components such as the monitor and speakers, among others.
The software, on the other hand, corresponds to the sets of data or instructions that tell the computer how to work or what to do. Examples of software include the operating system, specific programs or applications, and machine language instructions such as firmware, among others.
Note that the hardware and software need each other for them to work. Each cannot stand on its own or in other words, neither can be used on its own. The software directs the hardware to operate or execute command and instructions.
