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