Samacheer Class 6 Science - Hardware and Software

Hardware:
Hardware is the parts of the computer which we can touch and feel.
Hardware includes input and output devices, Cabinet, Hard disk, Mother Board, SMPS, CPU, RAM, CD Drive, and Graphics card.
Software :
Software is programmed and coded application to process the input information.
The software processes the data by converting the input information into coding or programmed language.
Touching and feeling is not possible. But, we can see the functions of the software in the form of output.

An Operating System is a system software that acts as an intermediary between the user and the computer hardware. It manages all the hardware devices and controls how they work together to process the data inputted by the user and display the results on output devices like a monitor. The operating system performs essential functions such as managing files, controlling peripheral devices, allocating memory, and executing programs. Without an operating system, the computer cannot function on its own because there would be no way to communicate with the hardware or run any programs. The operating system works by receiving commands from the user through input devices, interpreting these commands, instructing the hardware to perform the required tasks, and then displaying the output on the screen. It also manages multiple tasks simultaneously and ensures that different programs do not interfere with each other. Popular operating systems include Linux, Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, each designed for different types of devices such as personal computers, laptops, and mobile phones.

Free and Open Source Software refers to software that is available free of cost and whose source code is openly available for anyone to view, modify, and distribute. This means users can access the underlying code that makes the software work, understand how it functions, and make changes to improve it or customize it according to their needs. The freedom to modify and share the software leads to continuous updates, improvements, and the development of new features and versions by the community of developers. Users can share this software with many other end-users without any legal restrictions or licensing fees. Two excellent examples of free and open source software are Linux, which is a widely used operating system for computers and servers, and GeoGebra, which is an interactive mathematics software used for learning and teaching geometry, algebra, and calculus. Both of these software are freely available and their source code can be accessed and modified by users.

Application software is a program or a group of programs that are specifically designed for the benefit and use of end-users to perform various tasks on computers. These are programs that people directly interact with to accomplish their work, learning, entertainment, or other purposes. Application programs can be installed in the hard disk of a computer for regular usage on that particular computer. Examples of application software include word processors for writing documents, spreadsheet programs for calculations, web browsers for accessing the internet, media players for playing audio and video files, and educational software for learning. This type of application program is designed to complete one or more specific tasks for the end-user. Unlike system software which manages the computer's hardware, application software focuses on helping users accomplish their personal or professional goals. Different application software can be installed on the same computer, allowing users to choose the tools they need for their specific requirements.