In basic computer terminology, the physical components of a computer system that you can see and touch are collectively referred to as what?

Introduction / Context:
When learning about computers, one of the first distinctions we make is between hardware and software. Hardware includes all the tangible parts of the computer, while software consists of the programs and data that run on it. This question asks you to identify the collective term for the physical components, which is a fundamental concept in computer general knowledge.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question refers specifically to physical components of a computer.
• The options include Processor, Software, Hardware, Input devices, and Firmware.
• We assume that physical components can be seen and touched and include both internal and external devices.
• The question is about the collective term, not about a single component.

Concept / Approach:
Hardware is the standard term used for all physical parts of a computer system. This includes the processor, memory chips, motherboard, hard disks, monitors, keyboards, printers, and more. Software represents programs and data stored electronically and is not tangible. Input devices are a subset of hardware that allow data to be entered into the computer, such as keyboards and mice. Firmware is software stored in non volatile memory chips that help control hardware but is not itself the name for all physical parts. Therefore, the correct approach is to match the description to the term hardware.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Interpret physical components as any part of the computer that has a physical form, including internal and external devices.Step 2: Recall that the word hardware is used collectively for these tangible components.Step 3: Recognise that Processor refers to only one specific hardware component, not to the whole set.Step 4: Understand that Software describes programs and cannot be physically touched.Step 5: Note that Input devices describe only hardware used for input, such as keyboard and mouse, not all hardware.Step 6: Remember that Firmware is software programmed into read only memory, controlling hardware but not being the hardware collection itself.Step 7: Conclude that Hardware is the correct term.

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, think about a typical sentence from introductory textbooks: A computer system consists of hardware and software. Hardware refers to the physical components of the computer system. This sentence directly matches the wording of the question. Examples include the CPU, monitor, keyboard, and printer as hardware, and the operating system and application programs as software. Since the question clearly points to the collective name for physical components, hardware is the only option that aligns with this standard definition.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Processor is one particular piece of hardware, not the name for all components. Software refers to instructions and data, not physical parts. Input devices are a specific category of hardware used for entering data and do not cover components like output devices or storage. Firmware refers to software embedded in hardware, such as BIOS code on a chip, but again it is not the collective name for all physical components. Therefore, these options do not correctly answer the question.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse specific components with general categories, for example thinking that processor or input devices might represent the entire hardware set. Others may overlook the exact wording physical components and focus instead on familiar buzzwords such as software or firmware. Remembering the basic pair hardware equals physical parts and software equals programs is essential for avoiding such mistakes in computer fundamentals questions.

Final Answer:
The physical components of a computer system are collectively referred to as Hardware.