Computer hardware
Computer hardware refers to the parts that make up the complete computer. Computer hardware is also known as a device. The term hardware or device refers to the whole physical device on a computer, while the software provides instructions to hardware to perform computer work. Sometimes the difference in hardware with software is quite blurry, especially when referring to firmware. The rigid software is software installed into the hardware, it rarely needs to be changed and therefore is usually stored in read-only memory. Most computer hardware is not visible to normal users. It is part of the embedded systems used in vehicles, microwave ovens, electrocardiograph machines, compact disc players and more. The personal computer, the most common tool in most people, is just a small part of computer hardware.