Difference between computer Software and Hardware

What is software? The software is a set of instructions or programs instructing a

computer to do specific tasks. The software is a general term for the various kinds of

programs used to operate computers and related devices, it is a collection of

instructions that enable the user to interact with a computer. Or as Wikipedia

says: the programs and other operating information used by a computer.

For example:

programs:

• Internet browser (Google Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer e.t.c.);
• Programming language (C++, HTML, Java, Perl, Visual Basic (VB) e.t.c.);
• Word processor / Spreadsheet / Presentation (Excel, PowerPoint, Word e.t.c.);

Other operating information:

• Operating system (Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows e.t.c.). 
• Utility (Compression, Disk Cleanup, Encryption, Registry cleaner, 
• Screensaver e.t.c.);
• Device drivers (Computer drivers e.t.c.);

The software is often divided into three categories:

1.System software: device drivers, operating systems (OSs), compilers, disk

formatters, text editors, and utilities;

2.Programming software: Compilers, linkers, debuggers, interpreters and

text editors.

3.Application software: Office suites, gaming applications, database systems

and educational software.

When you create or edit a file using your software — a Microsoft Word document, for

instance, or a Photoshop image — that file is considered a "resource" or "asset" used

by the software. However, the file itself is not considered "software", even though it is an essential part of what your software is doing.

A computer programmer writes the instructions using a programming language that

tell the software how to function and what to do. Once the program has been completed, it is compiled into a language that the computer can understand.

Hardware

Hardware is the physical aspect of computers, telecommunications, and other devices. Hardware implies permanence and invariability.  You can put an entirely new program in the hardware and make it create an entirely new experience for the user. You can change the modular configurations that most computers come with by adding new adapters or cards that extend the computer's capabilities.

Hardware is:

The hardware connected outside to a computer:

• Monitor;
• Keyboard;
• Mouse;
• Battery Backup (UPS);
• Flash Drive;
• Printer;
• Speakers;
• External Hard Drive;
• Pen Tablet;

The hardware inside a computer:

• Motherboard;
• Central Processing Unit (CPU);
• Random Access Memory (RAM);
• Power Supply;
• Video Card;
• Hard Drive (HDD);
• Solid-State Drive (SSD);
• Optical Drive (e.g. BD/DVD/CD drive);
• Card Reader (SD/SDHC, CF, etc.);

These pieces are now usually integrated into other devices or replaced with newer

technology:

• Sound Card;
• Network Interface Card (NIC);
• Expansion Card (Firewire, USB, etc.);
• Hard Drive Controller Card;
• Analog Modem;
• Scanner;
• Projector;
• Floppy Disk Drive;
• Joystick;
• Webcam;
• Microphone;
• Tape Drive;
• Zip Drive;

Hardware is referred to as ​network hardware:

• Digital Modem (e.g. Cable Modem, DSL Modem, etc.);
• Router;
• Network Switch;
• Access Point;
• Repeater;
• Bridge;
• Print Server;
• Firewall;

Auxiliary hardware;

• Fan (CPU, GPU, Case, etc.);
• Heat Sink;
• Data Cable;
• Power Cable;
• CMOS Battery;
• Daughterboard;