What Is Computer Hardware?

Computer hardware refers to the physical parts of a computer that you can see and touch.

Examples of computer hardware

Common hardware parts include the keyboard, mouse, screen, and the main computer unit. Inside the computer, hardware also includes components like the processor, memory, and storage.

Internal vs external hardware

Some hardware parts are inside the computer and work behind the scenes. Others are outside and allow users to interact with the machine.

Why hardware is important

Hardware provides the physical foundation that allows software to run. Without hardware, computer programs would have nothing to operate on.

Hardware and wear

Because hardware is physical, it can wear out or break over time. This is different from software, which exists as digital information.

Summary

Computer hardware includes all the physical components that make up a computer and allow it to function.