Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer or electronic device. This includes items like the central processing unit (CPU), motherboard, hard drive, and graphics card. These components work together to perform tasks and run software applications, making hardware essential for any computing system. In addition to computers, hardware also encompasses devices like printers, scanners, and smartphones. Each piece of hardware has a specific function, contributing to the overall performance and capabilities of the device. Understanding hardware is crucial for troubleshooting issues and upgrading systems to meet evolving technology needs.