Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Hardware malfunctions refer to issues or failures with physical computer components such as hard drives, memory modules, processors, etc., which can lead to system errors or crashes.
Related terms
Troubleshooting: Troubleshooting is the process of identifying and resolving problems with hardware or software.
Diagnostics Tools: Diagnostic tools are software programs used to identify hardware issues by testing various components and providing detailed reports on their status.
Preventive Maintenance: Preventive maintenance involves regular inspections and actions taken to prevent hardware malfunctions before they occur, such as cleaning dust from fans or updating firmware.