What is computer?

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Hi, This is my fist tutorial on computer fundamental and this is a very basic question when you're going to start learning computers. So here's my fisrt question - What is computer? What do you think about a proper definition of computer?

 Ok Here's my definition of comptuer :

A computer is an electronic device which is used to convert raw data into meaningful information.


Data and Information

A data can be - Texts, Numbers, Images, Symbols, Audio Video Files.

Information - Information is defined as data that have been converted into a meaningful and useful context for a specific user.

Example : - 

Name                              Alex Norton            

Gender                           Male

Address                         Texas

More definitions and examples of Computer : 



Computer



A computer is a  programmable machine. It responds to a specific set of instructions in a well-defined manner. It can execute a prerecorded list of instructions (a program).

Modern computers are electronic and digital. The actual machinery are wires, transistors, and circuits, All these called hardware; the instructions and data are called software.

All general-purpose computers require the following hardware components:

Memory : Enables a computer to store, at least temporarily, data and programs.

Mass storage device : Allows a computer to permanently retain large amounts of data. 

Input Device : Usually a keyboard and mouse, the input device is the conduit through which data and instructions enter a computer.

Output Device : A display screen, printer, or other device that lets you see what the computer has accomplished.

Central processing unit (CPU) : The heart of the computer, this is the component that 

actually executes instructions.

Computer and its Devices

In addition to these components, many others make it possible for the basic components to work together efficiently. For example, every computer requires a bus that transmits data from one part of the computer to another.

Computer Classification :

Computers can be generally classified by size and power as follows, though there is considerable overlap:

Personal Computer : A small, single-user computer based on a microprocessor. In additioe microprocessor, a personal computer has a keyboard for entering data, a monitor for displaying information, and a storage device for saving data.

Workstation : A powerful, single-user computer. A workstation is like a personal computer, but it has a more powerful microprocessor and a higher-quality monitor.

Minicomputer : A multi-user computer capable of supporting from 10 to hundreds of users simultaneously.

Mainframe : A powerful multi-user computer capable of supporting many hundreds or thousands of users simultaneously. 

Supercomputer : An extremely fast computer that can perform hundreds of millions of instructions per second.

Know more about Basics of computer : http://www.indiastudychannel.com/resources/137156-Computer-basics.aspx