Is a keyboard classified as hardware or software?

A keyboard is classified as hardware because it is a physical device that is used to input data into a computer or other electronic systems. Hardware refers to the tangible components of a computer system, which includes things you can touch and see, like the keyboard, mouse, monitor, and internal components such as the CPU and hard drive.

This classification as hardware highlights its role in enabling user interaction with technology, converting physical actions (like pressing keys) into digital signals that the computer can understand and process. In contrast, software consists of programs and applications that run on hardware, executing tasks and enabling users to perform various functions on the computer, such as word processing or browsing the internet.

Utility refers to a type of software designed to perform a specific task or to manage and maintain computer resources, while a network device is a piece of hardware used to connect computers and other electronic devices, such as routers or switches. Thus, designating the keyboard as hardware accurately reflects its nature and function within the computing environment.