Automatic general-purpose device for performing arithmetic or logical operations
For other uses, see Computer (disambiguation).
Computers and computing devices from different eras - left to right, top to bottom:
Early vacuum tube computer (ENIAC)
Mainframe computer (IBM System 360)
Smartphone (LYF Water 2)
Desktop computer (IBM ThinkCentre S50 with monitor)
Video game console (Nintendo GameCube)
Supercomputer (IBM Summit)
A computer is a machine that can be programmed to automatically carry out sequences of arithmetic or logical operations (computation). Modern digital electronic computers can perform generic sets of operations known as programs. These programs enable computers to perform a wide range of tasks. The term computer system may refer to a nominally complete computer that includes the hardware, operating system, software, and peripheral equipment needed and used for full operation; or to a group of computers that are linked and function together, such as a computer network or computer cluster.
A broad range of industrial and consumer products use computers as control systems, including simple special-purpose devices like microwave ovens and remote controls, and factory devices like industrial robots. Computers are at the core of general-purpose devices such as personal computers and mobile devices such as smartphones. Computers power the Internet, which links billions of computers and users.
Early computers were meant to be used only for calculations. Simple manual instruments like the abacus have aided people in doing calculations since ancient times. Early in the Industrial Revolution, some mechanical devices were built to automate long, tedious tasks, such as guiding patterns for looms. More sophisticated electrical machines did specialized analog calculations in the early 20th century. The first digital electronic calculating machines were developed during World War II, both electromechanical and using thermionic valves. The first semiconductor transistors in the late 1940s were followed by the silicon-based MOSFET (MOS transistor) and monolithic integrated circuit chip technologies in the late 1950s, leading to the microprocessor and the microcomputer revolution in the 1970s. The speed, power and versatility of computers have been increasing dramatically ever since then, with transistor counts increasing at a rapid pace (Moore's law noted that counts doubled every two years), leading to the Digital Revolution during the late 20th to early 21st centuries.
Conventionally, a modern computer consists of at least one processing element, typically a central processing unit (CPU) in the form of a microprocessor, together with some type of computer memory, typically semiconductor memory chips. The processing element carries out arithmetic and logical operations, and a sequencing and control unit can change the order of operations in response to stored information. Peripheral devices include input devices (keyboards, mice, joystick, etc.), output devices (monitor screens, printers, etc.), and input/output devices that perform both functions (e.g., the 2000s-era touchscreen). Peripheral devices allow information to be retrieved from an external source and they enable the result of operations to be saved and retrieved.
A computer is a machine that can be programmed to automatically carry out sequences of arithmetic or logical operations (computation). Modern digital electronic...
Fundamental areas of computer science Computer science is the study of computation, information, and automation. Computer science spans theoretical disciplines...
A computer network is a set of computers sharing resources located on or provided by network nodes. Computers use common communication protocols over...
A personal computer, often referred to as a PC, is a computer designed for individual use. It is typically used for tasks such as word processing, internet...
A computer keyboard is a peripheral input device modeled after the typewriter keyboard which uses an arrangement of buttons or keys to act as mechanical...
Computer graphics deals with generating images and art with the aid of computers. Today, computer graphics is a core technology in digital photography...
A computer program is a sequence or set of instructions in a programming language for a computer to execute. It is one component of software, which also...
Computer security, cybersecurity, digital security or information technology security (IT security) is the protection of computer systems and networks...
Computer hardware includes the physical parts of a computer, such as the central processing unit (CPU), random access memory (RAM), motherboard, computer...
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A laptop computer or notebook computer, also known as a laptop or notebook, is a small, portable personal computer (PC). Laptops typically have a clamshell...
A computer mouse (plural mice, also mouses) is a hand-held pointing device that detects two-dimensional motion relative to a surface. This motion is typically...
Computer engineering (CoE or CpE) is a branch of computer science and electronic engineering that integrates several fields of computer science and electronic...
A video game or computer game is an electronic game that involves interaction with a user interface or input device (such as a joystick, controller, keyboard...
Computer memory stores information, such as data and programs, for immediate use in the computer. The term memory is often synonymous with the terms RAM...
is system software that manages computer hardware and software resources, and provides common services for computer programs. Time-sharing operating...
Computer vision tasks include methods for acquiring, processing, analyzing and understanding digital images, and extraction of high-dimensional data from...
A programmer, computer programmer or coder is an author of computer source code – someone with skill in computer programming. The professional titles software...
A computer virus is a type of malware that, when executed, replicates itself by modifying other computer programs and inserting its own code into those...
technological, and social aspects. Major computing disciplines include computer engineering, computer science, cybersecurity, data science, information systems, information...
Information technology (IT) is a set of related fields that encompass computer systems, software, programming languages and data and information processing...
Computer mathematics may refer to: Automated theorem proving, the proving of mathematical theorems by a computer program Symbolic computation, the study...
A computer scientist is a scholar who specializes in the academic study of computer science. Computer scientists typically work on the theoretical side...
Computer programming or coding is the composition of sequences of instructions, called programs, that computers can follow to perform tasks. It involves...
Software is a collection of programs and data that tell a computer how to perform specific tasks. Software often includes associated software documentation...
A mainframe computer, informally called a mainframe or big iron, is a computer used primarily by large organizations for critical applications like bulk...
An analog computer or analogue computer is a type of computer that uses the continuous variation aspect of physical phenomena such as electrical, mechanical...
A computer worm is a standalone malware computer program that replicates itself in order to spread to other computers. It often uses a computer network...
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