An apprentice is configuring an autonomous greenhouse monitoring station. In their setup log, they write the following classification of system components:
"The microcontroller's control program and the sensor-reading algorithms are classified as hardware because they are permanently flashed onto the physical silicon chip. Conversely, the flexible silicone heating pads and the external copper wiring harnesses are classified as software because they are soft, pliable, and easy to detach from the main unit."
Identify and explain two conceptual errors made by the apprentice in their classification.
Practise AQA GCSE Computer Science Hardware and software with exam-style questions for GCSE Computer Science. 51 questions, matched to the AQA GCSE Computer Science (8525) specification and written in Paper 1 and Paper 2 style. Every question includes a full worked solution and mark scheme, so you can see where marks are awarded rather than just whether you got the answer right.