What Is Computer
A computer is a device that can be instructed to carry out
an arbitrary set of arithmetic or logical operations automatically. The
ability of computers to follow a sequence of operations, called a
program, make computers very flexible and useful. Such computers are
used as control systems for a very wide variety of industrial and
consumer devices. This includes simple special purpose devices like
microwave ovens and remote controls, factory devices such as industrial
robots and computer assisted design, but also in general purpose devices
like personal computers and mobile devices such as smartphones. The
Internet is run on computers and it connects millions of other
computers.
Since ancient times, simple manual devices
like the abacus aided people in doing calculations. 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. The speed, power, and
versatility of computers increased continuously and dramatically since
then, to the point that artificial intelligence may become possible in
the future.
A computer is a device that can be instructed to carry out
an arbitrary set of arithmetic or logical operations automatically. The
ability of computers to follow a sequence of operations, called a
program, make computers very flexible and useful. Such computers are
used as control systems for a very wide variety of industrial and
consumer devices. This includes simple special purpose devices like
microwave ovens and remote controls, factory devices such as industrial
robots and computer assisted design, but also in general purpose devices
like personal computers and mobile devices such as smartphones. The
Internet is run on computers and it connects millions of other
computers.
Since ancient times, simple manual devices
like the abacus aided people in doing calculations. 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. The speed, power, and
versatility of computers increased continuously and dramatically since
then, to the point that artificial intelligence may become possible in
the future.
A computer is a device that can be instructed to carry out
an arbitrary set of arithmetic or logical operations automatically. The
ability of computers to follow a sequence of operations, called a
program, make computers very flexible and useful. Such computers are
used as control systems for a very wide variety of industrial and
consumer devices. This includes simple special purpose devices like
microwave ovens and remote controls, factory devices such as industrial
robots and computer assisted design, but also in general purpose devices
like personal computers and mobile devices such as smartphones. The
Internet is run on computers and it connects millions of other
computers.
Since ancient times, simple manual devices
like the abacus aided people in doing calculations. 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. The speed, power, and
versatility of computers increased continuously and dramatically since
then, to the point that artificial intelligence may become possible in
the future.
