Computer hardware is the physical part of a computer, including the digital circuitry, as distinguished from the computer software that executes within the hardware. The hardware of a computer is infrequently changed, in comparison with software and data, which are "soft" in the sense that they are readily created, modified or erased on the computer. Firmware is a special type of software that rarely, if ever, needs to be changed and so is stored on hardware devices such as read-only memory (ROM) where it is not readily changed (and is, therefore, "firm" rather than just "soft").

Most computer hardware is not seen by normal users. It is in embedded systems in automobiles, microwave ovens, electrocardiographmachines, compact disc players, and other devices. Personal computers, the computer hardware familiar to most people, form only a small minority of computers (about 0.2% of all new computers produced in 2003).

A great place for replacement parts as well as components to enhance your current system is Ebay.

Ebay has an enormouse computer section with auctions ranging from literature to complete systems. So not only can you be smarter than that Stupid PC, you learn how to fix and upgrade it!

Books and reference materials from Amazon.com will get you started on the right foot. From Motherboards, CD drives and RAM chips to learning about jumper settings and configurations, Amazon.com has a solution for you.