WHAT IS HARDWARE
In terms of definition, we can say hardware corresponds to the physical components of the notebook, that is, they are the electronic parts and devices that, when connected, allow the device to work. The term also refers to the set of equipment coupled in products that need computational management. One of the most common and popular types of hardware among laptop users is processors.
It is correct to say that one of the most influential factors with regard to the agility of the portable computer is the data storage capacity of the hardware and its effectiveness in exchanging information between the items that make up the notebook. Hardware is usually divided into two large groups: internal and external elements, as we will see below.
HARDWARE EXAMPLES
We have a number of examples of items that may fall under the hardware category. They are usually divided into internal and external, for a better understanding of the user. Some of the components that are considered internal hardware: RAM, HD, SSD, processor and motherboard. These items, as the classification itself indicates, are located inside the device.
In the category of external hardware, we have examples that are well known to the public, such as the screen, keyboard and pen drive, in addition to other widely used peripherals, such as mouse, printer, microphone, webcam, among others.
WHAT IS SOFTWARE
Software, in general, is the logical part of a notebook, which is developed through codes and languages made by programming. It is formed by the set of instructions given to a computer, which must be followed and executed by a mechanism, so that it performs a certain task.
These instructions are what create actions within programs and allow them to be executed. Each action is determined by a sequence, which are grouped together to form the program. An advantage of software over hardware is its durability, since, as it is not a physical component, it will not wear out over time. A disadvantage, however, is that these elements are susceptible to the action of malware that can reach the notebook.
To divide the different types of existing software, we can classify them into three distinct groups:
- System software : are programs that allow user interaction with the device. As an example we can mention Windows, which is a paid software; and Linux, which is free software.
- Application software : these are programs that are generally used routinely by the user, allowing the performance of various tasks, from the most basic to the most complex. As an example, we can mention text editors, spreadsheets, internet browsers, among others.
- Programming software: uses logical knowledge and object-oriented programming language, in order to develop new software and systems. These programs can be written in different programming languages and are usually best used by professionals specialized in the IT field.
SOFTWARE EXAMPLES
The software, as you already know, is present not only in notebooks and desktops, but also in devices such as cell phones, tablets, TVs, video games, and many others. It can take many forms, whether through a text editor, a browser, a photo editor, a game, a streaming application or a compatibility system. Without software, notebooks are basically without function, as they would be a space without programs, applications and other functionalities characteristic of software.
There are a number of examples of these elements. As some of the best known, we can mention the Office package programs, internet browsers (Explorer, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Opera, among others) and other applications widely used by users, such as Java, Adobe and Skype.