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 −

· Input devices − keyboard, mouse, etc.

· Output devices − printer, monitor, etc.

· Secondary storage devices − Hard disk, CD, DVD, etc.

· Internal components − CPU, motherboard, RAM, etc.

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.