Difference between Hardware and Liveware

In Computing and Technology two most frequently used terms are “Hardware” & “Liveware”. Hardware includes the tangible parts of a computer system for instance the screen, the key board the main circuit board among others. On the other hand, liveware is a term used to refer to the human interface that is used in the process of controlling computer systems. To anyone trying to gain fundamental knowledge about computer science and technologies, it is important to understand the difference between them.

What is Hardware?

Hardware, as the name suggests, is simply a type of physical device or component that is hard, rigid, used to make a computer, and requires upgrades to improve performance and increase capacity.

Examples of Hardware

• Input Devices: Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner.
• Output Devices: Monitor, Printer, Speakers.
• Storage Devices: composer, external drive, flash Drive, hard drive, SD, SSD.
• Internal Components: The main components of a computer include; the motherboard, the central processing unit, random access memory, and the graphics card.

Advantages of Hardware

• Durability: It is rather important to mention that most of the hardware components may last for several years if properly used and maintained.
• Upgradeability: Almost all the hardware parts can be changed in a computer in order to increase its capability.
• Compatibility: Hardware from different manufacturers can be Integration in most of the cases.

Disadvantages of Hardware

• Cost: To some extent it is also true that high quality hardware requires a significantly high level of investment.
• Obsolescence: In situation where there is rapidly growing technology, then the provided hardware may become obsolete.
• Physical Damage: Able to easily wear out, get damaged in an accident or be affected by certain conditions in its surrounding.

What is Liveware?

Liveware, as name suggests, are peoples, programmers, or other personnel that use computers and are involved in operation of computer system and referred to human expertise in computer system.

Role of Liveware

• Operation: Man is at the center of operating and managing of these systems.
• Maintenance: At Liveware, systems are maintained and trouble shooted by the firm.
• Innovation: Innovation in new software and technological technologies are usually resulted from liveware creativity and intelligence.

Advantages of Liveware

• Creativity: This is because humans are creative, and the thinking process avails innovation in solving of problems.
• Decision-Making: Liveware can make analysis that machines can’t make.
• Adaptability: One must remember that people are resilient and will always be able to one way or another accommodate themselves to the changes easily.

Disadvantages of Liveware

• Human Error: Accidents are other caused by human beings and these may in turn cause system failures or even loss of data.
• Fatigue: Liveware is also known to get fatigued and hence can slow the rate of working.
• Training: There is always need to enrich their knowledge through additional training and education due to change in technology.

Difference between Hardware and Liveware

Conclusion

Altogether, it can be stated that the notions of both the hardware and liveware are crucial for present day computer systems where they function as indivisible parts and at the same time occupy different roles. Liveware supports the hardware of a system and keeps, operates and even introduces gradual changes into it. It is for this reason that it is crucial to assess and draw distinctions between these two so as to ensure improved usage of technology.

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Article Tags :

• Computer Organization & Architecture
• Technical Scripter 2020