The Relationship between Hardware and Software

 If you have a mouse [hardware], that mouse will require device drivers [software] so that your computer knows what it is and what it is capable of. A device driver is a piece of software or a program that controls a device. Without this your computer does not know what to do with the device.

If you have a CD-ROM drive [hardware] that is capable of recording information onto a CD you need software in order for your computer to understand what you are trying to do. The software program will allow you to interact with the CD-ROM drive and control what it does.

 There are many different hardware components that you can purchase today. In the following pages we are going to learn about some of the common hardware components you will find in a computer.

Knowledge Check #1

Software can be grouped into which of the following two categories?

a. System

b. Application

c. Internal

d. External

Please compose a new message to Kristy Grieve and include your answer to this question in the email. There will be other Knowledge Checks so please do not send the email yet.

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