The physical components of information technology, which can include the computer itself plus peripherals such as storage devices, input devices, and output devices best describes:

The physical components of information technology you are referring to are known as "hardware." Hardware in the context of information technology refers to the tangible elements that make up a computer system or network. This includes not only the central processing unit (CPU) but also peripheral devices that are used to input data into the system (input devices), display or otherwise output data (output devices), and store information (storage devices).

Here's a breakdown of the typical hardware components:

- The computer itself, which may include the CPU, motherboard, RAM (Random Access Memory), power supply, and internal storage devices like hard drives or solid-state drives. - Input devices such as keyboards, mice, scanners, and webcams, which are used to enter data into the computer. - Output devices like monitors, printers, and speakers, which are used to present data from the computer to the user. - Storage devices, including external hard drives, USB flash drives, and optical drives like CD, DVD, or Blu-Ray, which are used to store data persistently.

Together, these components enable users to interact with software applications and the internet, performing a vast range of tasks from simple word processing to complex data analyses.