Scribd
Upload
3 views1 page

comp 3

A computer is a programmable machine that performs arithmetic and logical operations, enabling a wide range of tasks through various programs. They are integral to both consumer products and industrial systems, powering devices from personal computers to the Internet. The evolution of computers began with simple calculation tools and has progressed through significant technological advancements, leading to the Digital Revolution.

Uploaded by

hogojosephine
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
3 views1 page

comp 3

A computer is a programmable machine that performs arithmetic and logical operations, enabling a wide range of tasks through various programs. They are integral to both consumer products and industrial systems, powering devices from personal computers to the Internet. The evolution of computers began with simple calculation tools and has progressed through significant technological advancements, leading to the Digital Revolution.

Uploaded by

hogojosephine
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 1

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.

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 and early 21st centuries.

You might also like