Final answer:
The statement is false; hardware refers to a computer's physical components, while software consists of computer programs. They work in unison to perform computational tasks, and the brain-computer analogy highlights the relationship between software as the brain and hardware as the physical body.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that hardware consists of computer programs providing instructions to a computer to perform a desired task is false. Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system, such as the microprocessor, memory, and storage devices. In contrast, software is made up of computer programs that command the hardware to perform tasks. The two work together to allow computers to function effectively.
For example, without the microprocessor, which is a part of the hardware, the computer cannot perform computations or process data. Software needs this physical architecture to run and direct these tasks. Engineers and computer scientists design both the hardware and the sets of instructions in programs that control systems, like automobile engine controls or Internet information delivery.
The brain and computer analogy further elucidates this relationship: Just as the brain processes sensory information and enables us to think and act, software processes data through the hardware and enables the computer to perform specific functions.