Which of the following best describes the role of hardware in computing?

The role of hardware in computing fundamentally revolves around its ability to physically execute operations. It consists of the tangible components of a computer system, such as the CPU, memory, storage devices, and input/output devices. When a computer performs calculations and processes data, it is the hardware that carries out these tasks through its processing capabilities.

The other choices focus on different aspects of a computing system. While software is responsible for directing hardware operations (the second option), managing data storage systems (the third option) is specifically a function of hardware components like hard drives and SSDs, while also being influenced by software applications. The fourth choice deals with user interfaces, which can involve both hardware (input devices like keyboards and mice) and software (the operating systems and applications that provide an interface for user interaction). Thus, the first choice encapsulates hardware's primary role in computation accurately, highlighting its essential function in executing operations and processing data efficiently.