Software vs. Hardware — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Software and Hardware
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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.
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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.
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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