Computer - Hardware


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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.

Computer Hardware

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.

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