In basic computer fundamentals, which of the following is an example of computer hardware rather than software or data?

Introduction / Context:
This question examines the basic distinction between computer hardware and software. Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system that you can see and touch. Software refers to the programs and applications that run on the hardware. Data includes the information that software processes and stores. Understanding which items belong to which category is one of the first steps in learning computer fundamentals.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We are asked to identify an example of computer hardware.
• Options include a monitor, a spreadsheet program, an antivirus application, word processing software and a database file.
• We assume standard textbook definitions where hardware is physical and software is logical.
• The question is conceptual, with no calculations required.

Concept / Approach:
Hardware consists of tangible devices such as the system unit, keyboard, mouse, monitor, printer and storage drives. Software consists of instructions and code that tell the hardware what to do, including operating systems and applications. Data files store information such as documents, images and database records. To answer the question, we must pick the option that clearly describes a physical device rather than a program or data file.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Consider each option and decide whether it is a physical device or a program or data file. Step 2: A monitor is a physical output device. It displays text, images and video and can be touched and moved. This fits the definition of hardware. Step 3: A spreadsheet program is an application such as Microsoft Excel or LibreOffice Calc. It is made of instructions and code and therefore is software, not hardware. Step 4: An antivirus application is also software, as it consists of programs that scan and protect the system from malware. Step 5: Word processing software such as Microsoft Word is another example of application software, not hardware. Step 6: A database file is a collection of stored data. Although it resides on hardware such as a disk, the file itself is considered data, not a hardware component. Step 7: Comparing all options, monitor is the only direct example of computer hardware.

Verification / Alternative check:
In basic computer literacy books, there are often lists of hardware components and software examples. Hardware lists include the central processing unit, monitor, keyboard, mouse, printer and storage devices. Software lists include operating systems, word processors, spreadsheets and antivirus tools. Data is usually treated separately as information processed by the software. Since the monitor consistently appears on hardware lists, we can confidently choose it as the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
The spreadsheet program, antivirus application and word processing software are all examples of software. They are intangible sets of instructions and cannot be physically touched in the same way as devices. The database file is data stored on hardware; it holds information but is not a device itself. Only the monitor is a physical component that directly belongs to the hardware category.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners may confuse software and data because both are stored as files on a disk. To avoid this, remember that software is the set of instructions that tells the hardware what to do, while data is the information that those instructions process. Hardware, in contrast, is the collection of physical parts such as screens, keyboards and internal chips. Asking whether you could pick up and move the item usually helps; if you can, it is probably hardware.

Final Answer:
An example of computer hardware among the options given is the monitor.