Question

________ consists of all the electronic and mechanical parts used in computers.
(A) Hardware
(B) Software
(C) Program
(D) None of these

Answer 1

Hint: The terms “hard” and “soft” in hardware and software themselves suggest their meaning. These terms are kept on the basis of the external changes. Software is a set of codes which are installed on the hardware and is used for controlling the hardware.

Complete step-by-step solution
There are two terms related to the computers. One is the software and the other is the hardware. They both are used for processing some kinds of information. The terms “soft” and “hard” are coined with respect to the changes that can be made on the software and the hardware. The hardware is termed as “hard” because it is rigid to the changes that can be made by us. In other words it is difficult to make changes in the functionality of hardware. On the other hand, the software is termed as “soft” because it is flexible to the external changes. We can easily modify the functionality of the software.
In computers, hardware is controlled by the software. The software contains a series of codes and commands, which act as instructions to the hardware. So the software is not physically touchable.
On the other hand, the hardware is physically touchable. It consists of all the electronic and mechanical parts which are used in the computers.
Hence, the correct answer is option A.

Note:
Examples of hardware include keyboard, mouse, USB drives, memory cards etc. The software is embedded inside the hardware. The software tells the hardware how to work. So it is the hardware which actually works. Hence, it is possible to have systems without software, but it’s impossible to have any system without hardware.