Hardware requirements refer to the specific physical components needed for a computer or device to run software applications effectively. These components typically include the CPU, RAM, hard drive, and graphics card. Each software program has its own set of minimum and recommended hardware specifications to ensure optimal performance. Meeting the hardware requirements is crucial for users to avoid issues like slow performance or software crashes. For example, a game may require a certain amount of RAM and a specific graphics card to function properly. Understanding these requirements helps users make informed decisions when purchasing or upgrading their systems.