Hw

Hw is a common way to refer to various types of computer hardware. Some examples include the central processing unit (CPU), monitor, keyboard, mouse, sound card, speakers, motherboard, and graphics card.

Who uses hw?

You will most likely only encounter the abbreviation when texting or communicating online with an IT professional or techie. Oftentimes, these discussions revolve around some broken or defective hw component (cruft), and it needs to be replaced or upgraded.

The difference between hardware and software

First of all, "hardware" is shortened as "hw," whereas "software" is shortened as "sw." Besides the obvious, hardware refers to the physical components of the computer and its related devices. Software is a program or application that runs on a computer, like Microsoft Office.

Other types of hardware

Hw may be used to refer to other types of hardware. For example, your dad may text that he's going to the "hw store" to get a new saw. Or your little sister may refer to her numerous trophies in basketball as "hw."

People concerned with their weight may refer to the highest weight they've weighed in at as "HW." For example, you may text your fitness coach, "It's been five weeks since my HW. Thanks for your help getting me to my GW!"

You might see HW in messages or online, including in a web forum or group on social media. They may also use other weight-related acronyms, such as SW (starting weight), GW (goal weight), and LW (lowest weight).

People that use HW may try to lose weight in various ways, including diets such as keto and paleo or intermittent fasting (IF). People may also work out to lose weight and post about fitspo and thinspo that inspire them.