What is the difference between software and hardware?

The distinction between software and hardware is fundamental to understanding computer systems. Software encompasses the digital instructions and programs that enable computers to perform specific tasks. These include operating systems, applications, and various programming scripts. Software is what allows users to interact with hardware and execute specific functionalities, making it essential for the operation of any computing device.

On the other hand, hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system. This includes items such as the motherboard, CPU, RAM, hard drives, graphics cards, and peripheral devices like keyboards and mice. These physical elements are the tangible parts that enable a computer to function.

The correct characterization reflects this clear division: software is fundamentally about digital instructions, while hardware pertains to the actual machinery that executes those instructions. This explanation clarifies why the other options do not accurately convey the relationship between software and hardware.