What term refers to the physical components of a computer?

The term that refers to the physical components of a computer is hardware. Hardware encompasses all the tangible parts that make up a computer system, including the central processing unit (CPU), memory (RAM), storage devices (like hard drives and SSDs), and peripheral devices (such as keyboards, mice, and monitors). This physical aspect is essential for any computer system because, without hardware, the software (which lacks a physical form) cannot be executed or utilized.

In contrast, software refers to the instructions or programs that run on a computer, making it operational. An operating system is a specific type of software that manages hardware resources and provides a platform for application software. Firmware, while also software, is embedded in hardware devices and provides low-level control for the device's specific hardware, but still does not refer to the physical components themselves. Understanding the distinction between these terms is crucial for grasping the fundamental concepts of computer systems and their operation.