Hardware Vs. Software

Computer systems are generally divided into two different parts. There is the Hardware, and the Software. An easy rule of thumb to tell the difference between the two is whether you can kick it. If you can kick it, it is probably hardware.

Hardware is all of the actual parts that make up the computer. This may include the computer cabinet, the monitor, the mouse, keyboard, etc.. It also includes all the parts inside the computer.

Software is all of the ideas that make the computer work. All of the ones and zeros, all of the thoughts that the computer 'thinks'. Computer software does not really exist any more than the thoughts inside your own head really exist.

Your brain would count as hardware. You leg, mussles, and nerves would count as hardware. The though 'I am going to kick this to see it it is hardware is software. The instructions that your brain uses to move your leg are also software. The impulses that travel to the mussles and make the leg move also probably count as software.