What is Hardware?

Definition Hardware, in the computer world, refers to the physical components that make up a computer system.

There are many different kinds of hardware that can be installed inside, and connected to the outside, of a computer.

Here are some common individual computer hardware components that you'll often find inside a modern computer case:

• Motherboard
• Central Processing Unit (CPU)
• Random Access Memory (RAM)
• Power Supply
• Video Card
• Hard Drive (HDD)
• Solid-State Drive (SSD)
• Optical Drive (e.g. BD/DVD/CD drive)
• Card Reader (SD/SDHC, CF, etc.)

Here is some common hardware that you might find connected to the outside of a computer:

• Monitor
• Keyboard
• Mouse
• Battery Backup (UPS)
• Printer
• Speakers

Here is some less common computer hardware, either because these pieces are now usually integrated into other devices or because they've been replaced with newer technology:

• Sound Card
• Network Interface Card (NIC)
• Expansion Card (Firewire, USB, Thunderbolt, etc.)
• Hard Drive Controller Card
• Analog Modem
• Scanner
• Floppy Disk Drive
• Joystick
• Webcam
• Microphone
• Tape Drive
• Zip Drive

The following hardware is referred to as network hardware and various pieces are often part of a home or business network:

• Digital Modem (e.g. Cable Modem, DSL Modem, etc.)
• Router
• Network Switch
• Access Point
• Repeater
• Bridge
• Print Server
• Firewall

Network hardware isn't as clearly defined as some other types of computer hardware. For example, many home routers will often act as a combination router, switch, and firewall.

In addition to all the items listed above, there's more computer hardware that I like to call auxiliary hardware, of which a computer might have none, or several, of some kinds:

• Fan (CPU, GPU, Case, etc.)
• Heat Sink
• Data Cable
• Power Cable
• CMOS Battery
• Daughterboard