Define computer hardware and give five examples.

### Why this is right Hardware is the tangible part of a computer system: you can physically handle or see it. The examples fit because each is a physical component, whether it processes information, holds it, or lets a person interact with the computer. ### The concept A **processor** carries out instructions and performs calculations. A **memory module** holds information the computer is using right now, so the processor can access it quickly; its contents are usually lost when the computer is switched off. A keyboard sends typed information into the computer, while a monitor displays information from it. A hard disk drive stores files for later use, even when the computer is off. These examples show that hardware includes parts with different jobs, not just the main computer case. | Example | Main job | |---|---| | Processor | Carries out instructions and calculations | | Memory module | Temporarily holds information in use | | Keyboard | Sends typed information into the computer | | Monitor | Displays information from the computer | | Hard disk drive | Stores files for later use | ### What a good answer covers - Defines hardware as the physical equipment of a computer system. - Gives five examples of physical components. - Includes components with different roles, such as processing, input, output, memory, and storage. - Distinguishes hardware from software, which is the set of instructions and programs a computer runs. ### Terms - **Hardware**: The physical parts of a computer system. - **Processor**: The component that carries out program instructions and calculations. - **Memory module**: A physical component that holds information the computer is actively using. - **Input device**: A piece of hardware, such as a keyboard, that sends information to a computer. - **Output device**: A piece of hardware, such as a monitor, that presents information from a computer. - **Hard disk drive**: A storage device that keeps files and other information for later use, including when the computer is off. - **Software**: Programs and instructions that tell computer hardware what to do. ### Remember If you can physically handle or see a computer component, it is hardware; the instructions it runs are software.