hardware
Other forms: hardwares
As the word suggests, the word hardware usually refers to tools used to build something — “wares” that are “hard.” It also is used to refer to the computer equipment that stores and uses “software,” the programs used in computing.
The word hardware dates back to the early 16th Century, where it was used to indicate such items as tools and weapons. Nowadays, that meaning holds, with hardware stores traditionally specializing mainly in materials and tools for building and repairs. The military use of the word has also remained, referring to major weapons such as tanks and missiles. However, since 1947, the word hardware has also taken on an ironically softer meaning — that of the components of a computer system.
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instrumentalities (tools or implements) made of metalsynonyms: ironwaretype of:instrumentality, instrumentationan artifact (or system of artifacts) that is instrumental in accomplishing some end
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major items of military weaponry (as tanks or missile)
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(computer science) the mechanical, magnetic, electronic, and electrical components making up a computer systemsynonyms: computer hardwareantonyms:software(computer science) written programs or procedures or rules and associated documentation pertaining to the operation of a computer system and that are stored in read/write memorytypes:C.P.U., CPU, central processing unit, central processor, mainframe, processor(computer science) the part of a computer (a microprocessor chip) that does most of the data processingschedulercomputer hardware that arranges jobs to be done by the computer in an appropriate ordersequencercomputer hardware that sorts data or programs into a predetermined sequenceupgradehardware that provides better performance than an earlier version didnon-volatile storage, nonvolatile storagecomputer storage that is not lost when the power is turned offROM, fixed storage, read-only memory, read-only storage(computer science) memory whose contents can be accessed and read but cannot be changedreal storagethe main memory in a virtual memory systemscratchpad(computer science) a high-speed internal memory used for temporary storage of preliminary informationvirtual memory, virtual storage(computer science) memory created by using the hard disk to simulate additional random-access memory; the addressable storage space available to the user of a computer system in which virtual addresses are mapped into real addressesvolatile storagecomputer storage that is erased when the power is turned offtype of:component, constituent, elementan artifact that is one of the individual parts of which a composite entity is made up; especially a part that can be separated from or attached to a system
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Vocabulary lists containing hardware
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If you're struggling with computer science terminology, reboot and learn this list of essential vocabulary. Review hardware and software, networks and websites, downloading and uploading files, computer viruses, and much more. Store these words in your memory and you'll be right at home in cyberspace!
If you're struggling with computer science terminology, reboot and learn this list of essential vocabulary. Review hardware and software, networks and directories, encryption and firewalls, and much more. You'll definitely want to cache these words in your memory!