Hardware comprises the material/technical components of a computer, mobile device, etc. and is the counterpart to software, which refers to the digital components of IT. In contrast to software, hardware is physical and therefore tangible and visible.
Examples of hardware in a computer are the processor, the hard disk or the input and output devices. However, a distinction must be made between 2 categories. On the one hand, there is the central processing unit, which comprises the hardware that makes a computer functional. This can include the processor with computing and control unit, the memory unit or input and output units. On the other hand, there are the peripherals, which include the devices that are connected to the central unit. These include, for example, a keyboard, monitor, printer, mouse or router.
Hardware is therefore responsible for the execution of software applications and tasks and is an important part of any IT infrastructure. The functionality of computers, servers and other electronic devices can only be made possible through hardware.