Hardware is the physical parts of a computer. Software is the set of instructions that tells those parts what to do.
The idea
Hardware includes input devices such as a keyboard, a mouse and a microphone, output devices such as a monitor and a printer, storage such as a hard disk or a memory card, and the processing parts. The processor does the calculating. Main memory holds the work that is happening now. Without hardware there is nothing to run. Without instructions the hardware sits still.
Software is divided into system software and application software. System software runs the machine. The operating system is the main example: it manages files, memory and the devices, and it lets you start other programs. Application software does a job for the user, such as writing a letter, calculating a budget or browsing. A phone and a laptop both follow this split. The glass and the chips are hardware. The apps are software.
What earns the marks
A device is hardware. A program is software. "Microsoft Word" is software. The keyboard is hardware. Do not call the operating system an application. It is system software. If you are asked for examples, give the category and one example, not a brand list with no category.
Practice questions
These are practice questions in the style of the paper, with a model answer and a mark scheme. They are not a promise of what your paper will ask.
1Question 1
4 marks
(a) Distinguish between hardware and software. (2 marks)
(b) Give one example of each. (2 marks)
Model answer
(a) Hardware is the physical parts of a computer. Software is the instructions that tell the computer what to do.
(b) A keyboard is hardware. An operating system is software.
Mark scheme
Hardware described as physical or tangible parts1 mark
Software described as programs or instructions1 mark
A correct hardware example, such as keyboard, mouse, monitor or processor1 mark
A correct software example, such as an operating system, a browser or a word processor1 mark
2Question 2
4 marks
(a) What is an operating system? (2 marks)
(b) State two jobs it does. (2 marks)
Model answer
(a) An operating system is system software that manages the computer and lets the user run applications.
(b) It manages files, and it controls devices such as the printer and the disk.
Mark scheme
System software, or the main program that runs the computer1 mark
It allows applications to run, or it sits between the user and the hardware1 mark
One job, such as managing files, memory or devices1 mark
A second job, different from the first1 mark
3Question 3
3 marks
Classify each of the following as input, output or storage: printer, mouse, hard disk. (3 marks)
Model answer
A printer is an output device. A mouse is an input device. A hard disk is storage.
Mark scheme
Printer is output1 mark
Mouse is input1 mark
Hard disk is storage1 mark
Practise ICT with Kevin
More questions on this topic are inside GLearn, marked as you answer, with the reason written out. The first ones need no account.
Hardware. You can touch it, and it is an output device. The program that sends it a document is software.
What is the difference between system software and application software?+
System software runs the computer. The operating system is the main example. Application software does a task for the user, such as writing, calculating or drawing. All BECE ICT past questions