Question

question 8 of 10
what is the difference between hardware and software?

a. hardware makes a computer more energy - efficient; software makes a computer less energy - efficient.

b. hardware includes the computers durable casing and heavy components; software includes all the computers delicate switches and microchips.

c. there is no notable difference between a computers hardware and its software.

d. hardware is a computers physical components; software is the instructions that direct a computer to perform specific functions.

subm

Explanation:

To determine the correct answer, we analyze each option:

• Option A: Energy efficiency is not the defining difference between hardware and software. Eliminate A.
• Option B: Hardware includes physical components like microchips, and software is not physical switches. This misdefines both. Eliminate B.
• Option C: Hardware (physical) and software (programs/instructions) are distinct. Eliminate C.
• Option D: Hardware is the physical parts (e.g., keyboard, CPU), software is the programs/instructions (e.g., operating system, apps) that tell hardware what to do. This correctly defines the difference.

Answer:

D. Hardware is a computer’s physical components; software is the instructions that direct a computer to perform specific functions.