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What Is Computer

A computer is a general purpose device that can be programmed to carry out arithmetic or logical operations automatically. It consists of a central processing unit and memory. Peripheral devices allow information to be retrieved from an external source and results saved. Contrary to popular belief, early computers existed as far back as 20,000 BC in the form of tally sticks, and mechanical analog computers were used for calculations from the 1st century through the medieval era. Modern computers are millions to billions of times more capable than early machines, occupying less space, with simple computers now fitting into mobile devices.

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56 views

What Is Computer

A computer is a general purpose device that can be programmed to carry out arithmetic or logical operations automatically. It consists of a central processing unit and memory. Peripheral devices allow information to be retrieved from an external source and results saved. Contrary to popular belief, early computers existed as far back as 20,000 BC in the form of tally sticks, and mechanical analog computers were used for calculations from the 1st century through the medieval era. Modern computers are millions to billions of times more capable than early machines, occupying less space, with simple computers now fitting into mobile devices.

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What is computer?

computer is a general purpose device that can be programmed to carry out a


set of arithmetic or logical operations automatically. Since a sequence of operations can be
readily changed, the computer can solve more than one kind of problem.
Conventionally, a computer consists of at least one processing element, typically a central
processing unit (CPU), and some form of memory. The processing element carries out arithmetic
and logic operations, and a sequencing and control unit can change the order of operations in
response to stored information. Peripheral devices allow information to be retrieved from an
external source, and the result of operations saved and retrieved.
Contrary to popular belief, computers existed from antiquity. Any tool used for calculation could
be referred to as a computer. The earliest computers were tally sticks in use since around 20,000
BC. Mechanical analog computers started appearing in first century and were used in medieval
era for astronomical calculations. In World War II, mechanical analog computers were used for
specialized military applications. During this time the first electronic digital computers were
developed. Originally they were the size of a large room, consuming as much power as several
hundred modern personal computers (PCs).[1]
Modern computers based on integrated circuits are millions to billions of times more capable
than the early machines, and occupy a fraction of the space.[2] Simple computers are small
enough to fit into mobile devices, and mobile computers can be powered by small batteries.
Personal computers in their various forms are icons of the Information Age and are what most
people think of as computers. However, the embedded computers found in many devices from
MP3 players to fighter aircraft and from toys to industrial robots are the most numerous.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer

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