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Difference between Hardware and Computer Platform
The most basic difference between hardware and computer platform is that the hardware is the physical components of a computer system that can be seen, touched, and manipulate, whereas a computer platform is a fundamental hardware and software infrastructure which supports the operation of computer applications.
Read this article to learn more about hardware and computer platform, and the important differences between them.
What is Hardware?
The term "hardware" represents the physical components of a computer system that we can see and touch. For example, motherboard, CPU, memory devices, power supply, sound card, mouse, keyboard, etc. are the hardware of a computer system.
We can classify computer hardware into two categories namely, internal hardware and external hardware. Those physical parts that are located inside the case of the computer unit are termed as internal hardware. Examples of internal hardware includes motherboard, CPU, RAM, ROM, etc. The physical components which are located outside the computer case are termed as external hardware. Examples of external hardware are mouse, keyboard, printer, scanner, etc.
In a computer system, hardware is responsible for performing tasks as per the instructions provided. Hence, hardware is the doer in a computer system.
What is Computer Platform?
The fundamental hardware and software infrastructure that supports the functioning of computer applications is referred to as a computer platform. The major components that make a computer platform are hardware architecture, operating system, and software framework. These components together allow application programs to run on a computer.
Here, the hardware architecture refers to the physical components of the computer and their interconnections. The operating system refers to the software that makes hardware functional and creates a platform for application programs to run. The operating system also manages the other computer resources. Software framework refers to sets of tools and libraries required to develop applications that run on the computer platform.
The common examples of computer platforms include Windows, Linux, MacOS, and Android. Each of these computer platforms has its own hardware architecture, operating system, and software framework.
Difference between Hardware and Computer Platform
The following table highlights all the major differences between hardware and computer platform −
Parameter |
Hardware |
Computer Platform |
|---|---|---|
Basic |
Hardware is the physical components such as CPU, motherboard, keyboard, etc. of a computer system. |
A computer platform is a combination of hardware and software that forms a computing system to run applications. |
Functionality |
Computer hardware performs the basic functions such as inputting, processing, storing, and outputting. |
Computer platform provides a complete computing infrastructure to run computer applications and perform tasks. |
Main objective |
The main objective of computer hardware is to capture data and instruction, process, and produce results. |
The main objective of a computer platform is to provide a digital environment to develop and run applications and tools. |
Main components |
Computer hardware includes all the physical components of a computer system such as keyboard, mouse, monitor, CPU, memory devices, cables, motherboard, etc. |
The main components of a computer platform are hardware architecture, operating system, and software framework. |
Compatibility |
Computer hardware may not be compatible with other devices. |
Computer platforms are designed to support a wide range of devices. |
Maintenance |
Computer hardware requires maintenance to operate properly. |
Computer platform requires regular updates to maintain its functionality and security. |
Cost |
The cost of computer hardware includes the cost of physical components only. It depends upon functionality and performance of the component. |
Computer platform includes the cost of hardware and software. It is always greater than computer hardware. |
Portability |
Computer hardware can portable or non-portable. |
Computer platforms are designed to operate in a specific environment like a desktop or a laptop. |
Flexibility |
Computer hardware are less flexible because they are designed to perform specific functions in the system. |
Computer platforms are more flexible as they can support several applications and perform several functions. |
Upgradability |
Computer hardware can be upgraded by replacing hardware components only to improve the functionality and performance of the computer system. |
Computer platform requires upgradation in both hardware and software to maintain the compatibility of software applications. |
Conclusion
The most significant difference between hardware and computer platform is that hardware refers to the physical parts of a computer system, whereas a computer platform refers to a hardware and software infrastructure that creates a computing environment to run applications. Therefore, hardware is a sub-part of a computer platform.
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