Basic computer terminology In a computer system, what do we call the physical components you can touch and see (for example, chassis, boards, chips, cables, keyboard, and monitor)?

Introduction / Context:
Clear terminology helps separate what a system is made of from what it does. Computer engineering distinguishes between tangible parts and the instructions that run on them. This question tests recognition of those fundamental terms.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Physical items include printed circuit boards, ICs, displays, keyboards, storage drives, and interconnects.
• Non-physical items include programs, operating systems, and microcode.
• Some items sit in between—such as firmware (software stored in nonvolatile memory inside hardware).

Concept / Approach:
Use standard definitions: Hardware is the collection of physical, tangible components. Software is the set of programs and data that direct hardware. Firmware is software tightly bound to the hardware (for example, code in ROM/Flash on a device), often serving as low-level control.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Introductory computing texts list hardware examples (CPU, RAM modules, power supply) versus software examples (apps, OS). Only the former are tactile.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Software: Not physical; cannot be touched.
• Firmware: Software residing in hardware; still not a physical object itself.
• None of the above: Incorrect because “hardware” is exactly correct.

Common Pitfalls:
Thinking firmware is hardware because it is stored on a chip. The chip is hardware; the code within is firmware (software).

Final Answer:
hardware