What is the definition of hardware in the context of computer systems?

Hardware refers to the tangible, physical components that make up a computer system. This includes parts such as the motherboard, CPU, RAM, hard drives, power supply, and peripheral devices like keyboards and monitors. Each of these components is essential for the operation of the computer, and they work together to perform tasks and processes. Understanding hardware is foundational for anyone studying computer systems, as it distinguishes these physical elements from software, which comprises the instructions and programs that run on the hardware.

The other options describe elements related to computing but do not accurately capture what hardware is. For instance, software environments refer to applications and code that run on hardware, and operating systems are indeed features, but they are not physical entities. Data storage methods in cloud services involve software and network components, not the physical hardware itself. Thus, the correct understanding of hardware is crucial for grasping the overall structure and operation of computer systems.