Hardware is the general term that is used to describe physical artifacts of a technology. It can be equipment such as fasteners, keys, locks, hinges, latches, corners, handles, wire, chains, plumbing supplies, tools, utensils, cutlery and machine parts, especially when they are made of metal. In the United States, hardware has been traditionally sold in "hardware stores". Though often used interchangeably to mean "hand tools," hardware historically referred to the metal bits that were used to make wooden products stronger, more functional, longer lasting and easier to fabricate/assemble than if they did not have the benefit of metal fittings. In a looser sense, hardware can be major military equipment, or electronic equipment, or computer equipment.