Computer hardware includes the physical parts or components of a computer, such as the central processing unit, monitor, KEYBOARD, computer data storage, graphic card, sound card, speakers and motherboard.[1] By contrast, software is instructions that can be stored and run by hardware.

Hardware is directed by the software to execute any command or instruction.
COMBINATION of hardware and software forms a usable computing system.


The term 'software' refers to the SET of electronic program instructions or data a computer PROCESSOR reads in order to perform a task or operation. In contrast, the term 'hardware' refers to the physical components that you can see and touch, such as the computer hard drive, mouse, and keyboard.

Software can be categorized according to what it is designed to accomplish. There are two main types of software: systems software and application software.

Systems Software

Systems software includes the programs that are dedicated to managing the computer itself, such as the operating system, file management utilities, and disk operating system (or DOS). The operating system manages the computer hardware resources in addition to APPLICATIONS and data. Without systems software installed in our computers we would have to type the instructions for everything we wanted the computer to do!