Which of the following pairs correctly distinguishes hardware from software with appropriate examples?

Which of the following pairs correctly distinguishes hardware from software with appropriate examples?

• A. Software: Windows OS, Word Processor; Hardware: Keyboard, Motherboard.
• B. Hardware: Keyboard, Printer; Software: Word Processor, Web Browser.
• C. Software: Windows OS, Word Processor; Hardware: Keyboard, Motherboard.
• D. Hardware: Keyboard, Motherboard; Software: Windows OS, Word Processor.

Answer: (D)

Hardware refers to the physical parts of a computer you can touch, while software is the programs and data that run on that hardware. In this pairing, the keyboard and the motherboard are tangible components, so they belong in hardware. Windows OS and a Word Processor are software programs; the operating system coordinates how the hardware works, and the word processor is an application used to create and edit documents. This clear separation—physical devices versus the programs that control or use those devices—is what makes this pairing the correct illustration. Other options mix physical devices with software, which doesn’t fit the distinction.

Hardware refers to the physical parts of a computer you can touch, while software is the programs and data that run on that hardware. In this pairing, the keyboard and the motherboard are tangible components, so they belong in hardware. Windows OS and a Word Processor are software programs; the operating system coordinates how the hardware works, and the word processor is an application used to create and edit documents. This clear separation—physical devices versus the programs that control or use those devices—is what makes this pairing the correct illustration. Other options mix physical devices with software, which doesn’t fit the distinction.