[Hardware ] The Difference Between Hardware Engineering Vs Software Engineering .

[_Happy boy]

 

 

You are probably familiar with the terms computer hardware engineer and computer software engineer, but what, if any, are the main differences between them? Let's find out.

What is computer hardware?
Computer hardware is a term that refers to the physical elements, machinery, or equipment of any computer. Better-known examples include the keyboard, the monitor, the mouse, or the hidden gubbins like the central processing unit (CPU), or hard drive. 

While you are probably more than familiar with using many of the hardware components mentioned above, the vast majority of any computer's physical bits are out of sight, and usually out of mind, safely tucked away within the casing. 

Of these bits, the most important component is called the motherboard. This piece of hardware is actually a collection of even smaller parts that effectively power and control the entire machine.

So, hardware, on the whole, is distinctly different from software, as you are about to find out. That being said, neither one can work in the way you expect a computer to work without the other. Without the software, many parts of the hardware would be effectively useless.

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However, the software would not be able to perform any of the clever tasks it does without the hardware that makes up the CPU. They are, in effect, completely interdependent on one another. 

What are the 10 major hardware components of a computer system?
While we have already mentioned some of the most crucial hardware pieces of a computer, there are some other vital components to any modern computer.

 

 

 

Motherboard - The heart of the computer, the motherboard holds all the main components of the machine together on one printed circuit board. It will generally house the CPU, hard drive, transistors, RAM memory and expansion slots, PCI slots, and USB ports, etc. If you are familiar with Arduino or Raspberry Pi boards, these are effectively mini motherboards. 
CPU - The Central processing unit, or CPU, acts as the brain of the computer. This is part of the machine that actually does the active "running" of any code, mani[CENSORED]tes data, etc. When people refer to computers adding X numbers, a billion times a second, that is the CPU doing that stuff. 
GPU - Graphics processing units are much like CPUs, with the exception that they tend to specialize in handling images and graphics. While not essential for most average computer users, gamers, and professionals like graphic artists understand the difference they make to the performance of a computer for their needs. 
Main memory (RAM) - Random Access Memory (RAM) is the computer's notepad or whiteboard. It is essentially used to store code and data that are being actively used during computations. It is fast and able to retrieve the value of any particular byte within nanoseconds. However, this data is only stored as long as the hardware dedicated to it is supplied with power. Once the power is turned off, this data is completely erased. 
Persistent memory storage/hard drive/flash drive - Hard drives, or persistent storage, is the bit of the computer that saves data (like files, photos, videos, etc) for extended periods of time, even when no power is supplied. It can come in the form of older spinning magnetic disks or newer solid-state hard drives or "flash" type storage devices. 
Expansion cards/slots - While less important for laptops, expansion cards are another essential component of desktop computers. They enable the computer to be upgraded with expanded functionality over time. Expansion cards are added to the motherboard. 

 

Power supply unit/battery - A computer is simply an expensive piece of desk furniture if it cannot get power. This is where the power supply unit is a vital piece of kit for any computer. This device converts AC to low-voltage regulated DC power for the internal components of the computer. 
Keyboard - The keyboard is an essential user interface device to enter characters, and other functions, into the computer system. It is the primary device humans enter text and numerals, into the computer system.
The mouse or touchpad - Like the keyboard, peripherals like a mouse or touchpad, are essential for humans to be able to interact with a computer. While cursor keys on a keyboard can be used to some extent for this purpose, the mouse has revolutionized the way we use computers since its invention. 
Monitor - The monitor, while not necessarily essential for the computer itself to run, it is for the user. Without it, most computer users would have a hard time using the machine for all the amazing tasks a general-use computer can perform. 
What is computer software?
Computer software, in contrast to computer hardware, is all the digital instructions that tell the hardware of the computer how to perform a task. Also known as programs or applications. software is produced by a software developer in a form that will be accepted, or understood, by the entire platform (software operating system and hardware CPU).