- Hardware
Hardware is a general term that refers to the physical artifacts of a
technology . It may also mean the physical components of acomputer system , in the form ofcomputer 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.Fact|date=August 2008 In modern usage it includes equipment such as keys, locks,
hinge s, latches,corner s, handles,wire , chains,plumbing supplies,tool s,utensil s,cutlery andmachine parts, especially when they are made ofmetal .Fact|date=August 2008 In theUnited States , this type of hardware has been traditionally sold inhardware store s, a term also used to a lesser extent in the UK.Fact|date=August 2008In a more colloquial sense, hardware can refer to major items of
military equipment, such astank s,aircraft orship s.Fact|date=August 2008In slang, the term refers to trophies and other physical representations of
award s.Fact|date=August 2008
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