Difference between Hardware and Freeware

Last Updated : 08 Sep, 2024

There are terms like “hardware” and “freeware,” which are part of the technology arena, and it is necessary to differentiate between both when choosing appropriate applications and assets for assignments. Hardware, on the other hand, deals with the physical aspects of a computer or any other related electronic machine, while freeware is a type of software that comes free of charge for use. In this article, we will discuss what exactly is hardware and freeware, their, features their benefits and drawbacks, and how they stand against one another.

What is Hardware?

Hardware, as the name suggests, is simply a machine, wiring, or other physical component of a computer such as CPU, monitor, keyboard, etc. without which the computer cannot exist and makes the computer run.

Types of Hardware

Input Devices: These include input devices such as keyboard, mouse, and scanners by which end users can have an interface with the computer systems.
Output Devices: This category of devices includes anything that interacts with the user and gives feedback such as monitors, printers, and speakers among others.
Processing Devices: The physical components of the computer such as the CPU, motherboard, and others which are in charge of processing data.
Storage Devices: Computers, laptops, and other information-related devices that store information such as documents, movies, GIFs, songs, photos, etc.

Advantages of Hardware

Performance: Enhanced quality of the Computer hardware makes the computers to operate at faster rates or speeds.
Durability: The saying that well built hardware has a longevity when used appropriately also holds water in this case.
Customization: it is possible for the users to upgrade specific component of the hardware part for better performance.

Disadvantages of Hardware

Cost: The parts are usually costly particularly when acquiring the components separately in high end machines.
Physical Damage: Here we have the fact that hardware in most cases is subjected to physical wear and tear and may be damaged which would lead to Systems failures.
Obsolescence: Hardware may get obsolete in a short while because of development of new technologies.

What is Freeware?

Freeware, as name suggests, is simply a commercial software that anyone can download it for free from internet for unlimited time with no expire date but closed source with some restrictions.

Types of Freeware

Utility Freeware: Tools such as antivirus, compression, cleaning utilities and other such types of tools.
Application Freeware: Complex client applications including web browsers and media players, graphic arts and editing programs, business and financial software, and computer-aided design tools.
Games and Entertainment: Games and other entertainment applications for the price of zero.

Advantages of Freeware

Cost-Effective: Freeware can be downloaded on anyone since it is for free.
Ease of Access: Software can be bought on CD or downloaded from an Internet site and installed on computer.
Community Support: Most of the widely used freeware has a pool of active users who are always a part of the discussion forums and provide different solutions to the issues.

Disadvantages of Freeware

Limited Features: Freeware most likely do not have sundry features that could be found in its professional edition.
Lack of Support: Freeware is characterized by small or no customer support as most of them are downloadable from the internet.
Security Risks: Freeware are usually unsafe and are often bundled with a virus or comprises adware software.