Difference Between Hardware and Software in Computer | Easy Guide for Beginners

Q: Is software touchable?

No, software is not touchable. Unlike hardware, it is a digital set of instructions stored in memory, not a physical part.

Published: 14 Apr 2025

An illustrated explanation of the difference between hardware and software in a computer for beginners

Hey Champs

If you’ve ever used a computer, smartphone, or tablet, you’ve already interacted with both hardware and software—even if you didn’t know it.

But do you know the difference between hardware and software in computer? Understanding this difference is very important for students and beginners.

This blog offers a simple and complete hardware and software explanation for beginners, using relatable examples and real-life comparisons. Whether you’re learning computer basics or preparing for exams, this easy guide will help you understand both in a fun and simple way.

Let’s explore it together with real-life examples!

Table of Content

What Are Hardware and Software in Computer?

When we use a computer, we are using both hardware and software at the same time. But many beginners get confused between the two. Let’s start by understanding what each one means in the simplest way.

What is Computer Hardware?

Hardware is the physical part of the computer. It includes everything you can see and touch—like the keyboard, monitor, mouse, and CPU.

Example: The screen you’re reading this on is hardware.

What is Computer Software?

Software is a set of digital instructions or programs that control the physical components of a computer (hardware). It tells the hardware what to do and how to work efficiently.

Example: Google Chrome or MS Word are software that you use every day.

Difference Between Hardware and Software in Computer (Simple Comparison)

Many students ask, “How are hardware and software different?” This table gives you a clear, side-by-side comparison that’s easy to remember.

Feature	Hardware	Software
What is it?	Physical parts of a computer	Programs that run the computer
Can you touch it?	Yes	No
Does it wear out?	Yes, over time	No, but it can crash
Common examples	Keyboard, Monitor, CPU	MS Word, Windows OS
Need to work	Needs software to work	Needs hardware to run
How to fix	Repair or replace	Reinstall or update

Why Do Both Hardware and Software Matter?

Every computer needs both hardware and software to function properly. Think of it like a human body and brain.

Human brain vs body analogy for hardware and software

Hardware = Body parts
Software = Brain and thoughts

The brain tells the body what to do. In the same way, software tells the hardware how to work.

Types of Computer Hardware – With Examples

To understand hardware better, let’s break it into four main types. This will help you identify different hardware devices around you.

Input Devices

These are the tools you use to give input or data to the computer. Without them, you cannot interact with your computer.

Examples: Keyboard, Mouse, Webcam, Microphone, Scanner

Output Devices

Output devices help you get results or feedback from your computer. These show what the computer is doing.

Examples: Monitor, Printer, Speakers

Processing Devices

These are the brain of the computer. They do all the calculations and processing of data.

Examples: CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)

Storage Devices

Storage hardware helps you save data, files, programs, and more.

Examples: Hard Drive (HDD), SSD, Pen Drive, CD/DVD

Types of Computer Software – With Examples

Just like hardware has types, software also has different types. These are mainly divided into system software and application software.

System Software

This is the base software that runs your whole computer system. Without it, the computer cannot start or run other programs.

Examples: Windows, macOS, Linux

Application Software

Application software helps you do tasks like writing, browsing the internet, or editing photos.

Examples: MS Word, Google Chrome, VLC Player, Zoom

How Do Hardware and Software Work Together?

Let’s understand this with a simple example.

How hardware and software work together example VLC Media Player

When you press play in VLC Media Player (software), it sends instructions to the monitor and speaker (hardware). This shows how software controls hardware in real time

The software (like VLC Media Player) runs the movie file
The hardware (monitor and speakers) shows you the video and plays the sound

Both need each other to complete the task. This is true for every task you do on a computer—typing, browsing, gaming, or learning.

One more Example:

Let’s say you want to write an email:

You type using a keyboard (hardware)
You open your email app (software)
The app sends the message through your Wi-Fi card (hardware)
The software shows you a “Message Sent” popup on your monitor (hardware)

This teamwork is what makes a computer useful.

Real-Life Example to Understand Better

Let’s take the example of a TV and remote.

The TV is the hardware. It displays the picture.
The remote is like software. It sends instructions to the TV.

Just like a TV needs a remote to change channels, a computer needs software to function.

Can a Computer Work Without Hardware or Software?

No, it cannot. Both are important:

Without hardware, the software has no machine to run on.
Without software, the hardware cannot do anything useful.

It’s like having a car (hardware) with no driver (software), or a driver with no car.

Why Beginners Should Learn This First?

This is one of the most basic things you should know about computers. Once you understand the difference between hardware and software, it becomes easier to learn about:

Operating systems
Programming
Computer parts
Troubleshooting

Also, if you’re planning to enter tech jobs or IT fields in the future—this knowledge is must-have.

Importance of Hardware and Software

Both hardware and software are essential for any digital task. One cannot function effectively without the other.

Without hardware, there’s no machine to install or run software.
Without software, the hardware has no purpose—it’s just a collection of physical parts.

Think of a mobile phone without apps or a keyboard without a word processor—neither would be useful alone.

This shows the true importance of hardware and software in today’s digital world. Whether it’s studying, working, gaming, or even sending a message—both must work together to make it possible.

Summary (Quick Recap): Difference Between Hardware and Software in Computer

Here’s a quick summary to help you revise:

Hardware = Physical parts like keyboard, mouse, monitor
Software = Programs like Windows, Chrome, Word
You can touch hardware, but not software
Both are important and work together like body and mind
Beginners must learn this to build a strong base in computers

Conclusion:

Now you clearly understand the key difference between hardware and software in computers. This basic knowledge is the first step toward mastering computer skills. Whether you’re a student or beginner, this foundation will help you go far in the digital world.

And hey! If you found this article helpful, don’t forget to:

✅ Bookmark it for later
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✅ Leave a comment below if you have any questions!

Keep learning, and you’ll soon be teaching others! 😊

FAQs: Difference Between Hardware and Software

Here are 10 frequently asked questions that beginners and students often ask about hardware and software:

Can a computer run without software?

No, a computer cannot work without software. Software gives instructions to the hardware and tells it what to do. Without software, the computer is just a box with no purpose.

Is Windows hardware or software?

Windows is an example of system software. It is an operating system that helps manage your computer’s hardware and other software. You cannot touch it, but you use it every time you start your computer.

Is the keyboard a type of software?

No, the keyboard is a hardware device. It is a physical part of the computer that you can touch and use to type letters and commands. Software uses the keyboard input to perform actions.

Can software get damaged like hardware?

Software does not break like hardware, but it can stop working due to bugs, viruses, or corruption. For example, if a software crashes or doesn’t open, you may need to reinstall or update it. It doesn’t wear out physically, but it can become outdated.

Which is more important—hardware or software?

Both hardware and software are equally important. Hardware needs software to perform tasks, and software needs hardware to run. Just like the body needs a mind, both must work together for a computer to function.

Is a mobile app considered software?

Yes, a mobile app is a type of software made for smartphones and tablets. Just like computer software, it helps users perform tasks like messaging, shopping, or watching videos. You install it on your device through app stores.

Is software touchable?

No, software is not touchable. Unlike hardware, it is a digital set of instructions stored in memory, not a physical part.

What are 3 examples of hardware and software?

Examples of hardware include a mouse, printer, and hard disk. Examples of software include Google Chrome, MS Word, and VLC Media Player. Hardware is physical, while software is digital and controls the hardware.

Is antivirus a hardware or software?

Antivirus is a type of software that protects your system from viruses, malware, and online threats. It runs in the background and scans files to keep your data safe. Some antivirus tools even update automatically to fight new threats.

Can I use software without the internet?

Yes, many software programs work without internet access, like MS Paint or Notepad. However, some software like Google Docs or YouTube needs internet to function. It depends on the purpose and type of software.