1.软件：
顾名思义，软件就是计算机程序或一组指令，这些指令是专门设计用来指示计算机要做什么以及将输入转换或转换为产品或输出的指令。
2.外围设备：
顾名思义，外围设备仅仅是可以在外部或内部为设备添加功能的设备，但不属于主要组件组，而是为计算机提供输入和输出。
软件和外围设备之间的区别：
| Software | Peripherals |
|---|---|
| Software are programs or set of instructions run on computer. | Peripherals are internal or external devices that connects directly to computer. |
| It is actually required to operate computers and execute particular tasks. | It is used to increase or enhance features and functionality of computer. |
| Features of software includes maintainability, efficiency, reliability, usability, etc. | Features of peripherals include storage, input, output processing, usability, speed, storage, etc. |
| Benefits of software includes improve customer service, enhanced analysis, increase sales potential, more reliable data, etc. | Benefits of peripheral devices include easy to use, easy to keep, fast to access data, cheap to buy, include sensors, etc. |
| Software usually provides means for accomplishing various tasks with same basic hardware. | Peripheral provide input/output functions for a computer. |
| Type of software includes system software, programming software, application software, etc. | Type of peripherals include input devices, output devices and storage devices, etc. |
| Its main purpose is capture input, transform it and provide output or product. | Its main purpose is to extend and enhance capability of computer without even modifying core components of system. |
| Software’s are important for user to interact with computer and most computers are useless without software. | Peripherals are not that much important for computer to function and computer can still function without these devices. |