Hardware and software are essential components of a computer system, working together to enable the system to function effectively. Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer, such as the CPU, memory, motherboard, and storage devices, that are tangible and can be touched. On the other hand, software consists of instructions and code that direct the computer’s operation, ranging from basic commands to complex programs that manage various operations.

The relationship between hardware and software is crucial for the computer to operate. Hardware requires software to function properly, as the software provides the instructions that tell the hardware what to do. Without software, hardware would not be able to perform tasks effectively. Conversely, software needs hardware to execute tasks and produce useful outputs. This interdependence between hardware and software is fundamental for the proper functioning of a computer system.