Which devices are considered hardware?

Monitors and keyboards are classified as hardware because they are physical components of a computer system. Hardware refers to tangible devices that you can touch and see, which are essential for the functioning of a computer. Both monitors and keyboards allow users to interact with the computer and display information visually, playing a critical role in the overall user experience.

In contrast, software applications, network protocols, and operating systems are not considered hardware as they do not have a physical presence. Software applications run on hardware and carry out tasks, network protocols define rules for data transfer over networks, and operating systems manage hardware resources and provide services for computer programs. These functions are crucial for the operation of a computer, but they remain intangible, existing as code and processes rather than as physical devices.