Software is simply a series of information and instructions that tell a machine how to perform a specific task. This may be compared to physical hardware where the machine actually does the work and is constructed from parts. The software refers to the program written to control how the machine operates. This may include operating systems, drivers, security features, database applications, or similar things. All of these pieces of software to make it possible for the computer to carry out its specified tasks.

Application software includes anything that is used in creating and running an application. It is this component that makes the computer possible to operate in the way that it is designed. Some examples include language programs, spreadsheet applications, game software, office applications, printing software, music applications, and the like. All of these can be found on many different types of computer hardware.

Assembly language refers to the formal method of translating instructions into computer code that machines can understand. This assembler converts the instruction codes that are written into assembly language into actual binary or machine instructions. Machine code is then made from these instructions. In order to prevent any misinterpretation of the machine instructions, the assembler produces a preformatted output. Assembly language programs are very important because they are required to correctly operate with some software programs.

Hardware is what connects the various pieces of computer software together. Every piece of hardware has a role to play in the overall operation of the computer system. The three most important pieces of hardware include an operating system, hardware drivers, and a memory device. An operating system is what controls what applications can be accessed by the computer user. Drivers act as instruction guides that allow a computer to communicate with external hardware devices such as printers, keyboards, and scanners. Memory devices store information about the programs that are currently running.

Computer hardware also comes in many forms. Computer hardware can consist of a computer case, a motherboard, a central processing unit (CPU), processor, hard disk, and optical disc. These pieces of computer hardware are integral parts of the entire computer system. Although each piece of hardware has a specific role, the computer hardware configuration is usually referred to as being ‘all inclusive’ because it is used to provide functionality for every other piece of hardware within the computer system. The basic function of every piece of computer hardware is needed in order for the entire system to function correctly.

Application software refers to the features that a computer system software can display. The main purpose of application software is to carry out the tasks that are assigned to it during normal operations. Without application software, a person would have to perform many more tasks than necessary just to run the operating system or complete a particular application. Many people think that application software and hardware are one in the same, but the truth is that hardware plays a more significant role in delivering an effective performance level than software does.