Physical components of a computing system, such as the central processing unit, memory modules, storage devices, and peripherals, represent the tangible elements one can see and touch. These components execute instructions. Conversely, the set of instructions that directs the physical elements to perform specific tasks is referred to as the non-tangible element. Examples of the former include keyboards and monitors; examples of the latter are operating systems and applications.
The interplay between the physical and the non-physical is fundamental to modern computing. The physical components provide the infrastructure, while the non-physical aspects dictate operations. Early computing relied heavily on specialized physical configurations for specific tasks. The advent of programmable systems allowed for greater flexibility, where the same physical infrastructure could perform diverse functions based on the non-physical instructions provided. This separation enables upgrades and modifications to either the physical elements or the controlling logic without necessarily requiring a complete system overhaul.
