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Difference between Hardware and Equipment
In this article, we will learn about differences between hardware and equipment. Any physical part of a computer system or any other electronic device that can be touched is called hardware. On the other hand, a machinery or tool or any other device that is used for performing a specific function is referred to as an equipment.
Before discussing the differences between hardware and equipment, let us first discuss their basics individually.
What is Hardware?
The physical components of a computer system are called hardware. Therefore, CPU, CPU cabinet, motherboard, keyboard, power supply, mouse, monitor, etc. are examples of hardware.
Hardware can be of two types, namely internal hardware and external hardware. Internal hardware are the hardware components of a device which are placed inside the case or body of the device. For example, motherboard, CPU, RAM, ROM, etc. are examples of internal hardware. On the other hand, external hardware are the hardware components of the computer which are placed outside the computer case and are usually connected through cables, like monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc. Basically, hardware forms the basic skeleton of a computer or any other electronic device.
What is Equipment?
Any machinery or physical tool or any other device that is used for performing a specific function or accomplishing a task is termed as an equipment.
Some common examples of equipment include hammer, plier, screwdriver, voltage tester, multimeter, etc. Equipment is used in a variety of applications like robotics, measurement, manufacturing, medical, research, etc.
Depending on the use, construction, or function, equipment can be classified in several different types, such as laboratory equipment, office equipment, medical equipment, etc.
After getting an overview of hardware and equipment, let us now discuss the important differences between them.
Difference between Hardware and Equipment
The following table highlights all the major differences between hardware and equipment:
Parameter |
Hardware |
Equipment |
|---|---|---|
Basic |
Any physical part of a computer or any other device is termed as hardware. |
A machinery or tool or any other device that is designed to perform a specific task is termed as equipment. |
Primary function |
Hardware builds the skeleton of a system or a device. |
Equipment performs a specific function. |
Classification |
Hardware is classified into two types, namely internal hardware and external hardware. |
Equipment is classified into several different types such as medical equipment, construction equipment, office equipment, etc. |
Repair |
Hardware components can be repaired by technicians. |
Equipment requires expertise in their repairing. |
Size |
The size of hardware is variable depending on the hardware component. |
The size of an equipment is always larger than a hardware component. |
Maintenance |
Hardware components require regular maintenance. |
In case of equipment, the frequency of maintenance depends on the utilization of the equipment. |
Compatibility |
The compatibility of a hardware component is to be matched with other components of the system. |
The compatibility of an equipment is to be matched with the intended task. |
Cost |
The cost of hardware depends on the brand and function of the hardware component. |
The cost of the equipment is generally high, as a single equipment has a number of hardware components. |
Portability |
The hardware components are usually smaller in size, and hence are portable. |
Equipment may be portable or not depending on the type and size of it |
Replacement cost |
The cost involved in the replacement of a hardware component is comparatively low. |
The cost to replace an equipment can be low for small and simple equipment or very high for advanced medical equipment. |
Conclusion
Both hardware and equipment are absolutely different from each other as described in the above table. Hardware is used to refer any physical part of a device like a computer system, whereas equipment is used to represent a machinery or a physical tool which is designed to perform a specific function. For example, an HDMI cable is a hardware, while a screwdriver is an equipment.
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