Hardware

Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer or electronic system. This encompasses all tangible parts, from the central processing unit (CPU) and memory (RAM) to input devices like keyboards and mice, output devices such as monitors and printers, and storage devices like hard drives and solid-state drives (SSDs). hardware also extends to networking components, including routers and network interface cards (NICs), and even the physical casing that houses all these elements. Its functionality is dependent on the software that runs on it, making the two intricately linked.

Hardware meaning with examples

• The technician diagnosed a faulty hard drive, a clear hardware issue causing the computer's slow performance. They replaced it with a new SSD, a significant hardware upgrade that dramatically improved boot times and application loading.
• Upgrading the graphics card is a common hardware modification performed to enhance the performance of video games, allowing for higher resolution and smoother frame rates.
• Before purchasing, the customer researched the available hardware options and compared the CPU specifications to the latest market trends.
• The company's new server rack included advanced cooling hardware, designed to maintain optimal operating temperatures and ensure reliable performance during peak usage.
• During the initial setup, ensure that all hardware components, like the printer, are connected correctly before installing the associated software drivers.