computer
Sign in to saveA 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, which 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.
AI overview
A computer is a programmable machine that automatically performs arithmetic and logical operations, allowing it to complete many different types of tasks through software programs. Computers matter because they can be configured to handle a wide variety of work—from simple calculations to complex operations—making them essential tools for modern society.
AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.
Wikidata facts
- Instance of
- machine
- Subclass of
- electronic musical instrument
- Has part
- graphics processing unit
- Image
- Lenovo G500s laptop-2903.jpg
Show 9 more facts
- P5008
- Wikipedia:Vital articles/Level/4 (2022)
- P2579
- computer science
Article
46 sectionsContents
- Etymology
- History
- Pre-20th century
- First computer
- Electromechanical calculating machine
- Analog computers
- Digital computers
- Electromechanical
- Vacuum tubes and digital electronic circuits
- Modern computers
- Concept of modern computer
- Stored programs
- Transistors
- Integrated circuits
- Mobile computers
- Types
- By architecture
- By size, form-factor and purpose
- Unconventional computers
- Hardware
- History of computing hardware
- Other hardware topics
- Input devices
- Output devices
- Control unit
- Central processing unit (CPU)
- Arithmetic logic unit (ALU)
- Memory
- Input/output (I/O)
- Multitasking
- Multiprocessing
- Software
- Programs
- Stored program architecture
- Machine code
- Programming language
- Program design
- Bugs
- Networking and the Internet
- Artificial intelligence
- Professions and organizations
- See also
- Notes
- References
- Sources
- External links
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, which 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.