Whether you’re trying to stream a movie or finish a presentation, a sudden computer malfunction can be a serious disruption. In some cases, the problem may lie in the device itself, but most often, the operating system is to blame. If you’re confused about what kind of computer repair needs you’re dealing with, use the following guide to learn more about the difference between hardware and software.

What Is the Difference Between Hardware & Software?

Hardware refers to the physical or tangible aspects of your computer, such as the keyboard, the display monitor, or the laptop body. It may also be a physical component inside the computer, such as the CD-ROM, the video card, or the hard drive. Software refers to the operating systems that your computer runs. For example, all applications—like Google Chrome, Microsoft^® Word, and Adobe^® Photoshop^®—are examples of software programs.

What Are the Common Problems Between Them?

If you hear unusual noises coming from your computer, you likely have a hardware problem. Often, mysterious sounds come from the CPU fan, which is used to cool down a hardworking computer. If a cable is hitting the blades or the fan is broken and can’t cool down your computer, you might hear a loud vibration or whirring noise.

If the computer screen suddenly freezes, it might look like a video that’s stuck in pause, and your mouse won’t move as you trace your finger along the track pad. This is often a software problem, caused by a third-party application. If the application tries to make your computer perform actions it doesn’t understand, it may get overwhelmed and stop working. 

Sometimes, problems may involve both the hardware and software. For example, when your computer takes a long time to open files or process a command, you might have opened too many applications at once, and the operating system can’t take the workload. Your hard drive might also not have enough storage to save or download a file, causing the computer to slow down in an attempt to find space.

If you believe you need computer repairs for a hardware or software problem, get in touch with Experimax King of Prussia in Montgomery County, PA, today. They will diagnose the computer or laptop issue and fix it in a matter of hours. If your device is beyond the scope of computer repairs, they also sell certified pre-owned Apple devices. To learn more about their services, visit their website, or call (610) 510-2094 to speak with a representative.