Hardware

Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer or electronic system. This includes the tangible parts such as the central processing unit (CPU), memory (RAM), storage devices (hard drives, solid state drives), motherboard, power supply, and input/output devices (keyboard, mouse, monitor, printer). Hardware is essential for the operation of software, which consists of the programs and applications that run on the hardware. In broader contexts, hardware can also refer to any physical equipment used in technology, such as networking devices (routers, switches) and peripheral devices. Hardware is distinguished from software, which is intangible and consists of coded instructions and data that tell the hardware how to perform specific tasks. Understanding hardware is fundamental to the fields of computer science, information technology, and electronics, as it directly impacts the performance, capabilities, and functionality of a system.