What distinguishes hardware from software in a computer system?

The distinguishing factor between hardware and software in a computer system lies in the nature of their components and their functions. Hardware refers to the physical devices and components that make up a computer system, such as the CPU, memory, hard drives, and peripherals like keyboards and monitors. These elements are tangible and can be touched and manipulated.

In contrast, software consists of coded instructions that tell the hardware how to perform specific tasks. This includes operating systems, applications, and programs that run on the hardware. Software is intangible and exists as data processed by the hardware.

Understanding this distinction is crucial in the field of educational media, where effective integration of technology in learning environments requires a clear appreciation of how hardware and software interact to deliver educational content.