1. 软件：
顾名思义，软件只是计算机程序或指令集，专门用于指导计算机做什么以及将输入转换或转换为产品或输出。
2. 外设：
外围设备，顾名思义，是简单的设备，可以是外部或内部的，可以为计算机添加功能，但不是主要组件组的一部分，也不是为计算机提供输入和输出的设备。
软件和外设的区别：
| 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. |