CPU is a piece of computer hardware

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Hardware is a general term for the physical artifacts of a technology. It may also mean the physical components of a computer system, in the form of computer hardware.

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.^{[citation needed]}

Modern hardware stores typically sell equipment such as keys, locks, hinges, latches, corners, handles, wire, chains, plumbing supplies, tools, utensils, cutlery and machine parts, especially when they are made of metal.^{[citation needed]}

In a more colloquial sense, hardware can refer to military equipment, such as tanks, aircraft, ships or munitions. In the case of vehicles, such may instead be referred to as armour.

In slang, the term can also refer to trophies and other physical representations of awards.

[edit] See also

• Builders hardware
• Electronics

[edit] References

This section may require cleanup to meet Wikipedia's quality standards. Please improve this section if you can. (May 2009)

• Oxford definition of Hardware
• Cambridge definition of Hardware
• Merriam Webster definition of Hardware
• Bartleby definition of Hardware
• WordNet definition of Armour
• Encyclopedia entry for Hardware as an industry

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