Hardware and Software

One of the most important differences to understand in computing is the difference between hardware and software. Inside a computer, these two concepts cannot be separated.

A computer can be defined as an electronic device used to process and store data, based on a sequence of instructions encoded in a program. Software is the set of programs executed by the computer. When we talk about hardware, however, we are referring to the electronic and mechanical parts of a computer—everything tangible and touchable in a computer.
 

An example of a computer is the personal computer (PC), which is designed for individual use, meaning it can be used by a variety of people. be used by only one person at a time. PCs are typically used in the office, at school, or at home, for a variety of reasons: study, work, or entertainment. A PC can also be referred to as hardware or software: for example, hardware is the screen or hard drive, while software is the operating system or a word processor.