What is referred to as the physical parts of a computer?

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The term that refers to the physical parts of a computer is hardware. Hardware encompasses all the tangible components that make up a computer system, such as the central processing unit (CPU), memory (RAM), hard drives, graphics cards, motherboards, and peripheral devices like keyboards and mice. These components are essential because they perform the foundational functions that enable a computer to operate.

In contrast, software refers to the programs and operating systems that run on the hardware, providing instructions for the hardware to carry out tasks. Firmware is a specific type of software that is embedded in hardware devices to control them and is usually not user-modifiable. A network involves the connections and communications between multiple computers and devices, enabling them to share resources and data. Therefore, hardware specifically designates the physical infrastructure required for computing.