Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system or electronic device. This includes all tangible parts such as the central processing unit (CPU), memory (RAM), storage devices (hard drives, SSDs), motherboard, power supply, and input/output devices like keyboards, mice, and monitors. In a broader context, hardware can also encompass any physical devices used in computing, such as printers, scanners, and networking equipment. Unlike software, which is intangible and consists of programs and data that run on hardware, hardware is the actual machinery and equipment required to perform computing functions. Hardware plays a critical role in determining the performance, capabilities, and overall efficiency of a computer system or device.