Difference between Hardware and Computer Platform

Last Updated : 23 Jul, 2025

When discussing computing, two fundamental concepts often arise computers and computer platforms, sometimes known as hardware. Although both are components of computing machinery, they are used with different functions. Hardware on the other hand is a tangible part of the computer which includes the processor, memory, and storage devices. In contrast, a computer platform is a technical structure for a body of software and is also a computing environment enabling the software to operate upon the relevant hardware. It is important to know the difference between the two in order to understand what part they play in computation.

What is Hardware?

Hardware, as the name suggests, is simply a type of software system consisting of physical components that make the computer run and consists of interconnected electronic devices that one can use to control the operations, input, and output of the computer. Example: CPU, Motherboard.

Components of Hardware

Central Processing Unit (CPU): Microprocessor Controls the instructions given to the computer.
Memory (RAM): A form of data storage that accommodates data and instructions that are in use at any one time.
Storage Devices: Data archives, for data that are not frequently accessed like in hard disk drives (HDD) or solid-state drives (SSD).
Input/Output Devices: Devices that allow users to interact with a computer, and common computer peripherals namely keyboards, mice, monitors and printers.

Advantages of Hardware

Performance: Directly affects the rate and speed of computation processes that are involved in the planning, design and execution of construction projects.
Reliability: Physical components with all required stochastic sub- components presented with each of the materials specified having tested and certified durability.
Customization: The components are easy to change so that users can upgrade or replace part to meet specific demands.

Disadvantages of Hardware

Cost: High quality of hardware is always associated with high price.
Depreciation: The hardware components may in the long run become outgrown.
Maintenance: These may be physical components and hence need repair or replacement in the next stage.

What is Computer Platform?

Computer Platform, as the name suggests, is simply computer hardware or software architecture that acts as the foundation of a computer system and is considered as a group of technologies upon which other technologies are developed.

Example

A Desktop or Laptop with Windows as its operating system (Desktop is hardware and Windows is an Operating System)
An Apple computer running the Mac OS X operating system

Types of Computer Platforms

Operating System (OS): Monitors and oversees the hardware resources and offers services for the application software such as for Windows, Mac OS etc.
Web Platforms: Tools and technologies regarding web browsers (e. g. , Chrome, Firefox) through which web applications can be executed.
Mobile Platforms: REF For specific on tablet, for example—the Android and iOS.

Advantages of Computer Platforms

Compatibility: Determines that the code of the software can be executed in a range of different hardware environments.
Support: May contain numerous libraries and tools for development as a part of its component system.
Scalability: Flexible enough to adapt to different levels of software and different users’ required needs.

Disadvantages of Computer Platforms

Dependency: This makes software rigid since it is associated with a particular platform thus not flexible.
Complexity: Various platforms may be challenging to learn for novices.
Security Risks: Social platforms are as we have seen many times prone to malware and cyberattacks.