Hardware vs. Device — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 19, 2024
Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system, like the CPU and hard drive. A device is any piece of hardware that can perform a function, including non-computer items like phones.
Difference Between Hardware and Device
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Hardware encompasses all the physical parts of a computer system, including internal components like the motherboard, CPU, RAM, and hard drive, as well as external peripherals like monitors, keyboards, and mice. It forms the tangible backbone of any computing system, necessary for its operation. On the other hand, a device is a more general term that refers to any piece of hardware or equipment designed to perform a specific function, which can be part of a computer system or stand-alone items like smartphones, tablets, or even non-electronic tools.
While hardware specifically refers to the physical components that make up a computer or computing system, devices can include a broader range of items, including software-driven machines and simple mechanical tools. For example, a printer is considered both a piece of hardware in the context of computer peripherals and a device in its own right, capable of performing the specific function of printing.
The term hardware is used to differentiate the physical aspects of technology from software, which consists of the programs and operating systems that run on the hardware. Devices, however, can be categorized based on their functionality and the way they interact with other components, which can include both hardware and software elements. For instance, a digital camera is a device that, while hardware, relies on software to operate its internal functions and interface with computers.
In terms of scalability and integration, hardware components are often designed to fit within a specific architecture or system, ensuring compatibility and performance. Devices, however, are typically designed with a focus on user interaction and may operate independently or as part of a system, offering more flexibility in terms of functionality and application. This distinction highlights the role of devices in extending the capabilities of hardware systems through additional features and functionalities.
While the upgrade and maintenance of hardware involve physical changes or replacements, devices may require updates or modifications that include both physical components and software updates. This reflects the dual nature of devices as both tangible products and carriers of technology, capable of evolving through both hardware improvements and software enhancements, underscoring the dynamic interplay between hardware and devices in modern technology.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Physical components of a computer system.
Any piece of equipment designed to perform a function.
Scope
Specific to computing and electronic systems.
Broad, includes all types of functional equipment.
Relationship with Software
Requires software to operate.
May require software, but can also be purely mechanical.
Examples
CPU, RAM, hard drive, motherboard.
Smartphones, printers, digital cameras, mechanical tools.
Functionality
Integral parts of a computer system.
Can be standalone or part of a system, with specific functions.
Compare with Definitions
Hardware
Essential for computer operation.
Updating the hardware can significantly improve computer performance.
Device
Can be electronic or mechanical.
A thermometer is a simple device used to measure temperature.
Hardware
Subject to wear and requires physical repair.
The hardware failure was due to a faulty hard drive.
Device
Often incorporates both hardware and software.
Modern devices like smartphones combine hardware innovation with software applications.
Hardware
Includes both internal and external components.
External hardware like a mouse and keyboard is crucial for interaction.
Device
Designed for user interaction and functionality.
Assistive devices are developed to help people with disabilities.
Hardware
The physical components of a computer system.
The laptop's hardware includes a processor, RAM, and SSD.
Device
An equipment or tool designed for a specific function.
The smartwatch is a wearable device that tracks fitness activity.
Hardware
Evolves with technological advances.
New hardware technologies enable faster and more efficient computing.
Device
Wide range of types and applications.
Networking devices connect computers and facilitate communication.
Hardware
Metal goods and utensils such as locks, tools, and cutlery.
Device
A thing made or adapted for a particular purpose, especially a piece of mechanical or electronic equipment
A measuring device
Hardware
(Computers) A computer and the associated physical equipment directly involved in the performance of data-processing or communications functions.
Device
A plan, method, or trick with a particular aim
Writing a letter to a newspaper is a traditional device for signalling dissent
Hardware
Machines and other physical equipment directly involved in performing an industrial, technological, or military function.
Device
A drawing or design
The decorative device on the invitations
Hardware
(Informal) Weapons, especially military weapons.
Device
An object designed and manufactured to perform one or more functions.
Hardware
Fixtures, equipment, tools and devices used for general-purpose construction and repair of a structure or object. Also such equipment as sold as stock by a store of the same name, e.g. hardware store.
He needed a hammer, nails, screws, nuts, bolts and other assorted hardware, so he went to the hardware store.
Device
A literary contrivance, such as parallelism or personification, used to achieve a particular effect.
Hardware
(informal) Equipment.
Military hardware
Device
A decorative design, figure, or pattern, as one used in embroidery.
Hardware
(computing) The part of a computer that is fixed and cannot be altered without replacement or physical modification; motherboard, expansion cards, etc. Compare software.
Device
A graphic symbol or motto, especially in heraldry.
Hardware
(technology) Electronic equipment.
Device
A plan or scheme for accomplishing something
“Now Lydgate might have called at the warehouse, or might have written a message on a leaf of his pocket-book and left it at the door. Yet these simple devices apparently did not occur to him” (George Eliot).
Hardware
Metal implements.
The designers have put their logo on the hardware of this bag here.
Device
Any piece of equipment made for a particular purpose, especially a mechanical or electrical one.
Hardware
(slang) A firearm.
Device
(computer hardware) A peripheral device; an item of hardware.
Hardware
(slang) Medals or trophies.
Device
A project or scheme, often designed to deceive; a stratagem; an artifice.
Hardware
(Philippines) hardware store
Device
(Ireland) An improvised explosive device, home-made bomb
Hardware
Ware made of metal, as cutlery, kitchen utensils, and the like; ironmongery.
Device
(rhetoric) A technique that an author or speaker uses to evoke an emotional response in the audience; a rhetorical device.
Hardware
Any of the physical objects used in carrying out an activity, in contrast to the knowledge, skill, or theory required to perform the activity; mostly used collectively.
Device
(heraldry) A motto, emblem, or other mark used to distinguish the bearer from others. A device differs from a badge or cognizance primarily as it is a personal distinction, and not a badge borne by members of the same house successively.
Hardware
The sum of all the physical objects, such as the electrical, mechanical, and electronic devices which comprise a computer system; as, the typical PC hardware suite consists of a mainboard and a number of peripherals such as hard drives and speakers, connected by adapter cards, but the input and output from users occurs mostly through the keyboard and monitor; contrasted with software, the programs executed by the computer.
Device
(archaic) Power of devising; invention; contrivance.
Hardware
The weapons, transport, and other physical objects used in conducting a war.
Device
(legal) An image used in whole or in part as a trademark or service mark.
Hardware
Weapons, especially handguns, carried on the person; as, check your hardware at the door before entering.
Device
(printing) An image or logo denoting official or proprietary authority or provenience.
Hardware
Major items of military weaponry (as tanks or missile)
Device
(obsolete) A spectacle or show.
Hardware
Instrumentalities (tools or implements) made of metal
Device
(obsolete) Opinion; decision.
Hardware
(computer science) the mechanical, magnetic, electronic, and electrical components making up a computer system
Device
That which is devised, or formed by design; a contrivance; an invention; a project; a scheme; often, a scheme to deceive; a stratagem; an artifice.
His device in against Babylon, to destroy it.
Their recent device of demanding benevolences.
He disappointeth the devices of the crafty.
Device
Power of devising; invention; contrivance.
I must have instruments of my own device.
Device
An emblematic design, generally consisting of one or more figures with a motto, used apart from heraldic bearings to denote the historical situation, the ambition, or the desire of the person adopting it. See Cognizance.
Knights-errant used to distinguish themselves by devices on their shields.
A banner with this strange device -Excelsior.
Device
Anything fancifully conceived.
Device
A spectacle or show.
Device
Opinion; decision.
Device
Any artifactual object designed to perform an action or process, with or without an operator in attendance.
Device
An instrumentality invented for a particular purpose;
The device is small enough to wear on your wrist
A device intended to conserve water
Device
Something in an artistic work designed to achieve a particular effect
Device
Any clever (deceptive) maneuver;
He would stoop to any device to win a point
Device
Any ornamental pattern or design (as in embroidery)
Device
An emblematic design (especially in heraldry);
He was recognized by the device on his shield
Common Curiosities
What distinguishes hardware from a device?
Hardware refers specifically to the physical components of a computer system, whereas a device is any piece of equipment designed to perform a specific function, including but not limited to computing.
Can a device operate without hardware?
No, devices generally require some form of hardware to operate, even if the primary function is not computing-related.
Are all computer components considered devices?
Yes, in the context of computing, all components can be considered devices as they perform specific functions within the system.
Can the functionality of a device change over time?
Yes, the functionality of a device can evolve through software updates or by integrating new hardware components.
How do software updates affect hardware and devices?
Software updates can enhance the functionality of both hardware and devices by improving performance, adding features, and fixing bugs.
Is a smartphone considered hardware or a device?
A smartphone is considered both: hardware in terms of its physical components, and a device given its multifunctional capabilities.
Why is hardware important in computing?
Hardware provides the essential physical foundation required for computing processes and software operations.
How does the concept of a device extend beyond computing?
Devices encompass a wide range of tools, instruments, and machines designed for specific tasks, not limited to electronic or computing functions.
What role do devices play in technology?
Devices expand the applications of technology into diverse fields, enhancing user experiences and functionalities.
How are hardware and devices interconnected?
Devices often consist of hardware components and are integral to the functionality and operation of technological systems.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
