Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system, electronic device, or machinery. It encompasses the tangible parts of a system that perform specific functions, such as processors, memory, storage devices, input/output devices, and communication hardware.
For instance, in a personal computer, the hardware components include the central processing unit (CPU), memory modules, hard drive or solid-state drive (SSD), keyboard, mouse, monitor, and various ports for connecting external devices. Hardware is essential for executing software and enabling the functionality of computers and electronic devices.
