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Hardware vs. Software: The Computer's Team

PicoBuddyUpper ElementaryInformational3 min read
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Hardware vs. Software: The Computer's Team

Have you ever wondered what makes your computer, tablet, or phone work? It's like a team working together! This team has two main parts: hardware and software. They need each other to get things done.

What is Hardware?

Hardware is all the physical parts of a computer. Think of it like the parts you can touch. The monitor (the screen), the keyboard, the mouse, and the computer case are all hardware. Inside the computer case are even more important hardware parts! There's the CPU (Central Processing Unit), which is like the brain of the computer. There's also RAM (Random Access Memory), which helps the computer quickly remember things while it's working. And there's the hard drive, where the computer stores all your files, like documents, pictures, and games.

Think of building with LEGO bricks. Each brick is a piece of hardware, and you can put them together to build something cool!

What is Software?

Glossary
Hardware:
The physical parts of a computer you can touch.
Software:
Programs that tell the hardware what to do.
CPU:
The 'brain' of the computer that processes information.
RAM:
Memory that helps the computer quickly remember things.
hard drive:
A physical computer part that permanently stores files, documents, and programs even when the power is turned off.
operating system:
The primary software on a computer or mobile device that manages the hardware and lets other programs and apps run.

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Preview questions from this passageShow
  1. 1What is hardware in a computer?
  2. 2Give three examples of hardware.

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About this informational passage for Upper Elementary

“Hardware vs. Software: The Computer's Team” is a informational reading passage about Computer Basics, written for Upper Elementary. It takes about 3 minutes to read (464 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.

Is this passage free?

Yes. With a free account, you can read “Hardware vs. Software: The Computer's Team” online and download a printable PDF worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.

What reading level is “Hardware vs. Software: The Computer's Team”?

It’s written for Upper Elementary — a informational text about Computer Basics, about a 3-minute read (464 words).

What’s included with this passage?

An illustrated reading passage, a glossary of key terms, comprehension questions with an answer key, and an interactive quiz.

Can I adapt it for my students?

Yes. Remix is included with Pro and Max for adapting it to another grade level or language.