Parts of the Computer

Processing data into information requires that the two primary elements of the computer—hardware and software—work together to accomplish the desired task. The computer's machinery is referred to as hardware and is made up of electronic devices and circuits. The human-provided logic and instructions to the computer are termed software. A common saying that helps to differentiate hardware from software is "If you bump into it, then it's hardware!"

A great deal has been written and said about the marvels of computer hard­ware, and hardly a week goes by without the introduction of a smaller, faster, or less expensive computer. However, hardware can do nothing without software to supply instructions. The software is made up of one or more lists of instruc­tions called programs. The process by which programs are developed is called programming. Many smart machines in everyday use have instructions already built into a computer chip so that all the user needs to do is press a button. Computer instructions in this form, known as firmware, blur the line between hardware and software.

Over the past 20 years, computers have become faster and smaller while also becoming much less expensive. Had the automobile industry undergone the same transformation, a Rolls Royce might cost $2.50 and get over 100 miles to the gallon! A computer that cost over $4,000 a few years ago can now be pur­chased for less than $1,000. However, while hardware costs have been dropping, software costs have not changed very much. The reason for this dichotomy is that hardware can be mass produced on a factory assembly line, but each piece of software must be created anew by individuals or groups of programmers. Developing software is a creative task similar to writing a novel or painting a portrait; as a result, the cost of software remains high compared to the cost of hardware.

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