Computer Fundamentals: Hardware and Software

 1️⃣ What is Computer Hardware? (हार्डवेयर क्या है?)

Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer that you can see and touch.

🔹 Examples of Hardware:

  • Monitor (मॉनिटर)

  • Keyboard (कीबोर्ड)

  • Mouse (माउस)

  • Printer (प्रिंटर)

  • CPU (Central Processing Unit) (सीपीयू)

  • Hard Disk Drive (HDD) (हार्ड डिस्क ड्राइव)

  • RAM (Random Access Memory) (रैम)

  • Scanner (स्कैनर)

Simple Definition:
Hardware = Physical Devices.


2️⃣ What is Computer Software? (सॉफ्टवेयर क्या है?)

Software refers to a set of instructions or programs that tells the hardware what to do.
Software cannot be touched — it runs inside the computer.

🔹 Examples of Software:

  • Operating System (OS) → Windows, Linux, MacOS

  • MS Office Suite → MS Word, MS Excel

  • Web Browsers → Chrome, Firefox

  • Antivirus Software → Quick Heal, McAfee

  • Games → PUBG, Chess, Candy Crush

  • Apps → WhatsApp, Facebook, Zoom

Simple Definition:
Software = Programs and Instructions.


🖥️ Types of Hardware

CategoryExamples
Input DevicesKeyboard, Mouse, Scanner, Webcam
Output DevicesMonitor, Printer, Speaker
Storage DevicesHard Disk, Pen Drive, SSD
Processing UnitCPU, GPU

🧠 Types of Software

CategoryExamples
System SoftwareWindows OS, Linux, macOS
Application SoftwareMS Word, Photoshop, VLC
Utility SoftwareAntivirus, Disk Cleanup
Programming SoftwareC++, Java Compiler

📚 Key Difference Between Hardware and Software

HardwareSoftware
Physical parts of a computerSet of programs and instructions
Can be touchedCannot be touched
Examples: CPU, Monitor, KeyboardExamples: MS Word, Windows OS

MCQs: Computer Fundamentals (Hardware & Software)

1. Which of the following is a hardware device?

  • a) MS Word

  • b) Printer

  • c) Windows

  • d) WhatsApp

Answer: b) Printer


2. Software is:

  • a) Tangible

  • b) Physical part

  • c) Set of programs

  • d) None

Answer: c) Set of programs


3. Which one is a system software?

  • a) Google Chrome

  • b) MS Excel

  • c) Windows 10

  • d) Photoshop

Answer: c) Windows 10


4. CPU stands for:

  • a) Central Power Unit

  • b) Central Processing Unit

  • c) Computer Processing Unit

  • d) Control Processing Unit

Answer: b) Central Processing Unit


5. Which device is used for input?

  • a) Monitor

  • b) Printer

  • c) Keyboard

  • d) Speaker

Answer: c) Keyboard


Summary

  • Hardware = Physical devices (CPU, Monitor, Mouse)

  • Software = Programs/Instructions (Windows, Chrome, MS Office)

  • Hardware works only when software tells it what to do.

  • Software depends on hardware to work!