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Computer hardware
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<p>Computer hardware includes the physical parts of a <a href="/facts/Computer/SQe1aK05">computer</a>, such as the <a href="/facts/Central_processing_unit/Jxp1bqMV">central processing unit</a> (CPU), <a href="/facts/Random-access_memory/DuD4bxh6">random-access memory</a> (RAM), <a href="/facts/Motherboard/GXB10heG">motherboard</a>, <a href="/facts/Computer_data_storage/wPHKFpdx">computer data storage</a>, <a href="/facts/Graphics_card/bcKfPyFt">graphics card</a>, <a href="/facts/Sound_card/bxlF4YBa">sound card</a>, and <a href="/facts/Computer_case/wG3fchB2">computer case</a>. It includes external devices such as a <a href="/facts/Computer_monitor/NRaTDFHc">monitor</a>, <a href="/facts/Computer_mouse/fJpa1tUE">mouse</a>, <a href="/facts/Computer_keyboard/MczF9LIS">keyboard</a>, and <a href="/facts/Computer_speakers/uYcpD257">speakers</a>. </p><p>By contrast, <a href="/facts/Software/RP79lVSW">software</a> is a set of written instructions that can be stored and run by hardware. Hardware derived its name from the fact it is <i><a href="/facts/Hardness/PtGn6E20">hard</a></i> or rigid with respect to changes, whereas software is <i>soft</i> because it is easy to change. </p><p>Hardware is typically directed by the software to execute any command or <a href="/facts/Instruction_(computing)/8p8vwUeE">instruction</a>. A combination of hardware and software forms a usable <a href="/facts/Computing/Kghtm9fX">computing</a> system, although <a href="/facts/Digital_electronics/3kJcKbkw">other systems</a> exist with only hardware. </p>