Hardware is a general term for the physical parts of a technology , such as computers or cell phones . The word hardware has long been used to refer to household and construction tools and supplies, as well as weapons. In the context of electronics , however, hardware contrasts with software , the set of instructions and data that controls a piece of technology. A computer’s hardware, for example, might include a central processing unit (CPU), hard drive , screen , and keyboard . Its software might include word processors, web browsers, games , and other programs that run on the computer. External hardware parts that connect to a computer, such as printers or game controllers, are called peripheral devices.
The term hardware can also describe systems of technologies. For example, a home theater’s hardware might include a television , speakers , and media players, all of which must work together. Likewise, a cell phone connects wirelessly to antennas and transmitters. All of these physical structures are the hardware necessary to complete a cell phone call or send a text message .
In some cases, specific software only works with certain hardware. For example, video games are often designed to work for a certain video game console , a specialized computer for playing electronic games through a television. Such consoles include Nintendo’s Wii systems, Sony’s PlayStation systems, and Microsoft’s XBox systems. Even when the same game is released on multiple consoles, each version must be specially designed to work with a given console’s hardware.
