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DecemberWhat is a Computer?
Brief History of a Computer
Since 1646, the word "computer" has been a part of the English language. It comes from the Latin word "compute," which means "to compute." A cursory look at the name of the electronic equipment we call a computer would lead you to believe that it is only a device for quickly calculating or executing mathematical operations.
Indeed, the original goal of developing a computer was to create a fast-calculating machine. Nonetheless, more than 80% of the work done by computers today is not mathematical or numerical.
Uses of a Computer
Computers, for example, are used to listen to music, watch and record videos, browse the internet, write, play games, and to communicate on social media.Computers are also used in remote learning, online exams, regulating traffic lights and surveillance cameras, and in military tanks, planes, and ships to target enemy forces; or to attend church services online during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Therefore, defining a computer solely as a calculating instrument would ignores nearly 80% of its capabilities.
Despite the wide range of characteristics and functions of computers, they can all be generally defined as digital devices that accept input, process data, store data, and generate output based on recorded instructions from computer programs.
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