What does the term 'hardware' encompass in computing?

The term 'hardware' in computing refers to all the physical components that make up a computer system. This includes the internal parts such as the motherboard, CPU, RAM, and storage drives, as well as external devices like keyboards, mice, printers, and monitors. By encompassing both internal and external elements, hardware ensures that all tangible components involved in the operation of a computer are included under this term. This understanding is crucial because it helps differentiate hardware from software, which consists of applications and system software that run on these physical devices. Understanding this distinction is fundamental to grasping how computers function as integrated systems.