2006-12-03 17:07:28 · 7 answers · asked by Bingxin L 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Computer Networking
an electronic device that stores, retrieves, and processes data, and can be programmed with instructions. A computer is composed of hardware and software, and can exist in a variety of sizes and configurations.
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2006-12-03 17:12:50 · answer #1 · answered by V 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A programmable machine. The two principal characteristics of a computer are:
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 -- wires, transistors, and circuits -- is 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. Common mass storage devices include disk drives and tape drives.
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.
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.
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 addition to the microprocessor, a personal computer has a keyboard for entering data, a monitor for displaying information, and a storage device for saving data.
2006-12-04 01:12:51 · answer #2 · answered by TheHumbleOne 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
A computer is a machine for manipulating data according to a list of instructions, or program.
The ability to store and execute stored programs—that is, programmability—makes computers extremely versatile and distinguishes them from calculators. The Church–Turing thesis is a mathematical statement of this versatility: Any computer with a certain minimum capability is, in principle, capable of performing the same tasks that any other computer can perform. Therefore, computers with capability and complexity ranging from that of a personal digital assistant to a supercomputer are all able to perform the same computational tasks so long as time and storage capacity are not considerations. Cheers
2006-12-04 01:16:10 · answer #3 · answered by simplegal 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A programmable device that computes things. Seriously its that simple.
2006-12-04 01:16:37 · answer #4 · answered by orlandobillybob 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A device that can tell the difference between a 1 and a zero.
2006-12-04 01:18:06 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
what your using. sorry i couldnt resist lol
2006-12-04 01:25:24 · answer #6 · answered by happyclown5769 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
....you`ve gotta be kidding me............
2006-12-04 01:14:35 · answer #7 · answered by Anime Freak!!!!! 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋