Hardware

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Hardware

Hardware is a general term that refers to the physical

Physical

Physical can mean any of the following things below:* Any entity which are composed of matter and/or energy, as well as the physical property of those entities; and not merely items of thought or belief....
artifact

Cultural artifact

A cultural artifact is a human-made wiktionary:object which gives information about the culture of its creator and users. The artifact may change over time in what it represents, how it appears and how and why it is used as the culture changes over time....
s of a technology

Technology

Technology is a broad concept that deals with an animal species' usage and knowledge of tools and crafts, and how it affects an animal species' ability to control and adapt to its Natural environment....
. It may also mean the physical components of a computer system, in the form of computer hardware

Computer hardware

A personal computer is made up of computer hardware, multiple physical components onto which can be loaded into a multitude of software that perform the functions of the computer....
.

Hardware historically meant the metal parts and fittings that were used to make wooden products stronger, more functional, longer lasting and easier to fabricate or assemble.

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Encyclopedia

Hardware is a general term that refers to the physical

Physical

Cultural artifact

Technology

Computer hardware

Key (lock)

A key is a device which is used to open a Lock . A typical key consist of two parts: the blade, which slides into the keyway of the lock and distinguishes between different keys, and the bow, which is left protruding so that torque can be applied by the user....
, lock

Lock (device)

A lock is a mechanical fastening device which may be used on a door, vehicle, or container, restricting access to the area or property enclosed....
s, hinge

Hinge

A hinge is a type of Bearing that connects two solid objects, typically allowing only a limited angle of rotation between them. Two objects connected by an ideal hinge rotate relative to each other about a fixed axis of rotation ....
s, latch

Latch (hardware)

A latch is a type of mechanical fastener that is used to join two objects or surfaces together while allowing for the regular or eventual separation of the objects or surfaces....
es, corner

Corner

A corner is the place where two lines of different dimensions meet at an angle, and a concave corner of intersecting walls is generally thought to be the least beneficial position to be in a life-or-death situation....
s, handle

Handle (grip)

A handle is a part of, or attachment to, an object that can be moved or used by hand. The design of each type of handle involves substantial ergonomics issues, even where these are dealt with intuitively or by following tradition....
s, wire

Wire

A wire is a single, usually cylinder , elongated string of metal. Wires are used to bear mechanical Structural loads and to carry electricity and telecommunications Wiktionary:signal....
, chains, plumbing

Plumbing

Plumbing is the skilled trade of working with pipe , Tubing and plumbing fixtures for drinking water systems and the drainage of waste. A plumber is someone who installs or repairs piping systems, plumbing fixtures and equipment such as water heaters....
supplies, tool

Tool

A broad definition of a tool is an entity used to interface between two or more domains that facilitates more effective action of one domain upon the other....
s, utensil

Utensil

Utensil may refer to;* The tools of cooking and baking -- cookware and bakeware* The Dragon Throne, also called the "divine utensil" -- the rhetorical seat of power in the Empire of China ...
s, cutlery

Cutlery

Cutlery refers to any hand implement used in preparing, serving, and especially eating food in the Western world. It is more usually known as Silver or flatware in the United States, where cutlery can have the more specific meaning of knives and other cutting instruments....
and machine

Machine

A machine is any device that uses energy to perform some activity. In common usage, the meaning is that of a device having parts that perform or assist in performing any type of work....
parts, especially when they are made of metal

Metal

In chemistry, a metal is a chemical element whose atoms readily lose electrons to form positive ions , and form metallic bonds between other metal atoms and ionic bonds between nonmetal atoms....
. In the United States

United States

The United States of America is a Federal government constitutional republic comprising U.S. state and a federal district. The country is situated mostly in central North America, where its Contiguous United States and Washington, D.C., the Capital districts and territories, lie between the Pacific Ocean and Atlantic Oceans, Borders of the U...
, this type of hardware has been traditionally sold in hardware store

Hardware store

Hardware stores sell household hardware including: fasteners, hand tools, power tools, Key , Lock , hinges, Link chains, plumbing supplies, electrical supplies, cleaning products, housewares, tools, utensils, paint, and lawn and garden products directly to consumers for use at home or for business....
s, a term also used to a lesser extent in the UK

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom , the UK or Britain,is a sovereign state located off the northwestern coast of continental Europe....
.

In a more colloquial sense, hardware can refer to major items of military

Military

A military is an organization authorized by its nation to use force, usually including use of weapons, in defending its country by combating actual or Threat of force ....
equipment, such as tank

Tank

A tank is a Continuous track, armoured fighting vehicle designed for front-line combat which combines operational mobility and Military tactics Offensive and defence capabilities....
s, aircraft

Aircraft

An aircraft is a vehicle which is able to flight by being supported by the air, or in general, the atmosphere, of a planet. Examples include balloons, airplanes and helicopters....
or ship

Ship

A ship is a large watercraft that floats on water. Ships are generally distinguished from boats based on size. Ships may be found on lakes, seas, and rivers and they allow for a variety of activities, such as the ferry or cargo ships, fishing, cruise ship, Coast guard, and warship....
s.

In slang, the term refers to trophies

Trophy

A trophy is a reward for a specific achievement, and usually afterwards serves as proof of merit. They are most often awarded with sporting events....
and other physical representations of award

Award

An award is something given to a person or a group of people to recognize excellence in a certain field; a certificate of excellence. Awards are often signified...
s.