Ask Difference

Software vs. Hardware — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Software and Hardware

ADVERTISEMENT

Definitions

Software

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.

Hardware

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

Software

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

Hardware

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

Software

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

Hardware

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

Software

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

Hardware

(Informal) Weapons, especially military weapons.

Software

(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;
The market for software is expected to expand

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.

Hardware

(informal) Equipment.
Military hardware

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.
ADVERTISEMENT

Hardware

(technology) Electronic equipment.

Hardware

Metal implements.
The designers have put their logo on the hardware of this bag here.

Hardware

(slang) A firearm.

Hardware

(slang) Medals or trophies.

Hardware

(Philippines) hardware store

Hardware

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

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.

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.

Hardware

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

Hardware

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

Hardware

Major items of military weaponry (as tanks or missile)

Hardware

Instrumentalities (tools or implements) made of metal

Hardware

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

Popular Comparisons

Featured Comparisons

Trending Comparisons

New Phrases