Which of the following describes hardware in computing?

The correct answer describes hardware as the physical components of a computer system or related equipment. This includes essential parts such as the central processing unit (CPU), memory (RAM), hard drives, monitors, keyboards, and other peripherals. Hardware is integral to the functioning of a computer system because it is the tangible part that executes instructions provided by software and allows users to interact with the system.

In contrast, other options are focused on different aspects of computing. Software programs, for instance, refer to the applications and operating systems that run on hardware. The networks that connect systems relate to the communication infrastructures that allow different hardware devices to exchange information. Lastly, data stored in storage devices pertains to information that is processed and managed by both hardware and software but is not a physical component in itself. Understanding these distinctions clarifies the fundamental roles each part plays in computing systems.