Description: Physical refers to the tangible components of a computer system, such as hardware. This includes elements like the central processing unit (CPU), RAM, hard drives, graphics cards, and other peripheral devices. Unlike software, which is intangible and refers to the programs and operating systems that run on hardware, physical hardware is essential for the functioning of any computer system. Physical components are responsible for performing processing, storage, and data communication operations. The quality, speed, and capacity of these components largely determine the overall performance of a system. Additionally, the design and architecture of hardware influence energy efficiency and upgradeability. In a virtualization environment, physical hardware provides the foundation upon which multiple virtual machines run, allowing for better resource utilization. In summary, the term ‘physical’ in the context of computing refers to the tangible infrastructure that enables the operation of complex software and systems.
