What is the main difference between hardware and software?

The main difference between hardware and software lies in their fundamental nature, which is accurately captured in the assertion that hardware is physical while software is not.

Hardware refers to the tangible components of a computer system—the parts you can physically touch and see, such as the central processing unit (CPU), memory cards, hard drives, and other peripherals. These components work together to perform various computing tasks and can be replaced or upgraded physically.

On the other hand, software consists of the programs and applications that run on the hardware. Software is intangible; it is made up of code and instructions that tell the hardware how to process information and perform tasks. While hardware provides the necessary foundation for computing, it is the software that enables users to interact with the system and perform functions like word processing, data analysis, web browsing, and more.

This distinction highlights the interconnectedness of hardware and software, where hardware acts as the infrastructure that supports software applications. Understanding this difference is crucial for anyone studying computer systems servicing, as it lays the groundwork for further exploring how these components work together effectively.