Data Structure
Networking
RDBMS
Operating System
Java
MS Excel
iOS
HTML
CSS
Android
Python
C Programming
C++
C#
MongoDB
MySQL
Javascript
PHP
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Mathematics
English
Economics
Psychology
Social Studies
Fashion Studies
Legal Studies
- Selected Reading
- UPSC IAS Exams Notes
- Developer's Best Practices
- Questions and Answers
- Effective Resume Writing
- HR Interview Questions
- Computer Glossary
- Who is Who
Difference between Hardware and Tools
In a computer system, hardware and tools are two important elements that work together for reliable functioning of the computer system. Hardware is any physical component of a computer system that perform a specific task according to the given instruction, while Tool in a computer is a software application that performs a specific function to ensure the proper functioning of the system.
In this article, we will discuss all the important differences between hardware and tools in context of computer. But before that let’s have look into the basics of hardware and tools individually.
What is Hardware?
The physical components of a computer system are called hardware. Therefore, CPU, CPU cabinet, motherboard, keyboard, power supply, mouse, monitor, etc. are examples of hardware.
Hardware can be of two types, namely internal hardware and external hardware. Internal hardware are the hardware components of a device which are placed inside the case or body of the device. For example, motherboard, CPU, RAM, ROM, etc. are examples of internal hardware. On the other hand, external hardware are the hardware components of the computer which are placed outside the computer case and are usually connected through cables, like monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc. Basically, hardware forms the basic Skeleton of a computer or any other electronic device.
What are Tools?
In the context of computer systems, software applications that are developed to perform a specific function to enhance the performance of the system are called tools. Therefore, in a computer system, tools are essential components for its reliable and proper functioning.
Some common examples of tools are antiviruses, file compression tools, screen recording tools, performance monitoring tools, backup tools, disk management tools, etc.
Tools in a computer system provides some additional capabilities to optimize the performance of the system and to ensure the reliable operation of the system hardware.
Overall, tools in a computer increases the efficiency and productivity by providing extra functionalities.
After getting a brief overview of hardware and tools in a computer system, let us now understand the important differences between them.
Difference between Hardware and Tools
The important differences between hardware and tools are listed in the following table:
S.No. |
Hardware |
Tools |
|---|---|---|
1. |
Any physical components of a computer system are called hardware. |
Software programs that are developed to perform a specific function to optimize the operation of a computer system are called tools. |
2. |
Hardware components are essential components of a system. |
Tools are optional or supplementary components of a system. |
3. |
Hardware components are required to build the fundamental structure of the system. |
Tools are required to enhance functionality of the system. |
4. |
Hardware is physical component, i.e. they are visible and tangible. |
Tools are software components. |
5. |
Hardware components are manufactured in factories installed by hardware manufacturers. |
Tools are developed by software engineers and developers. |
6. |
Hardware requires physical installation. |
Tools require software installation. |
7. |
Hardware components essentially involves manufacturing cost. |
Some tools are available for free of charge. |
8. |
Hardware executes instructions to perform tasks. |
Tools execute instructions to enhance the performance and functionality of the system. |
9. |
Hardware requires physical maintenance and upgradation process, which is a skilled work. |
Tools requires updates and software upgradation process, which easier. |
10. |
Hardware is important to build the basic skeleton of a computer system. |
Tools are important for troubleshooting problems developed in the system. |
11. |
Hardware are electronic components of a computer system. |
Tools are computer programs. |
12. |
Examples of hardware are CPU, memory devices, input devices, output devices, etc. |
Examples of tools are antivirus, backup and recovery tools, screen recording tools, file compression tools, etc. |
Conclusion
Both hardware and tools are important components of a computer system for its efficient and reliable functioning. However, they are absolutely different from each other as described in the above table.
The most significant difference between hardware and tools is that hardware is physical components of a computer system essential for performing functions, whereas tools are software programs required to optimize the performance and functionality of the computer system.
184 Views
