Software vs. Hardware — What's the Difference?

Operating System.

Hard Drive.

Application Software.

RAM.

System Software.

Motherboard.

Middleware.

CPU.

Freeware.

Graphics Card.

Software is a collection of instructions and data that tell a computer how to work. This is in contrast to physical hardware, from which the system is built and actually performs the work.

Metal goods and utensils such as locks, tools, and cutlery.

The programs, routines, and symbolic languages that control the functioning of the hardware and direct its operation.

(Computers) A computer and the associated physical equipment directly involved in the performance of data-processing or communications functions.

(computing) Encoded computer instructions, usually modifiable (unless stored in some form of unalterable memory such as ROM).

Machines and other physical equipment directly involved in performing an industrial, technological, or military function.

(military) The human beings involved in warfare, as opposed to hardware such as weapons and vehicles.

(Informal) Weapons, especially military weapons.

(computer science) written programs or procedures or rules and associated documentation pertaining to the operation of a computer system and that are stored in read/write memory;

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.

(informal) Equipment.

(computing) The part of a computer that is fixed and cannot be altered without replacement or physical modification; motherboard, expansion cards, etc. Compare software.

(technology) Electronic equipment.

Metal implements.

(slang) A firearm.

(slang) Medals or trophies.

(Philippines) hardware store

Ware made of metal, as cutlery, kitchen utensils, and the like; ironmongery.

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.

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.

The weapons, transport, and other physical objects used in conducting a war.

Weapons, especially handguns, carried on the person; as, check your hardware at the door before entering.

Major items of military weaponry (as tanks or missile)

Instrumentalities (tools or implements) made of metal

(computer science) the mechanical, magnetic, electronic, and electrical components making up a computer system

Hardware needs software to perform specific tasks beyond basic functioning.

Software sends instructions that hardware executes to perform tasks.

No, software requires hardware to function.

Operating systems, applications, and utilities.

Software refers to the programs and systems that operate a computer.

Hardware encompasses the physical components of a computer.

Yes, different software applications can be installed or removed based on user needs.

Firmware is a specialized type of software that provides low-level control for hardware.

Software updates can typically be downloaded and installed from the internet.

CPUs, motherboards, RAM, and hard drives are typical examples.

Initially, hardware usually involves higher costs, but software can be expensive over time due to licensing fees.

Some components like RAM and hard drives are easier to replace than others like CPUs.

Hardware upgrades often involve physically replacing components.