WHAT IS COMPUTER

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 are generally classified by size and power as follows, although there is considerable overlap. The differences between computer classifications generally get smaller as technology advances, creating smaller and more powerful and cost-friendly components.
A computer is not an acronym and sometimes abbreviated as comp or 'puter. The term "computer" was originally given to humans (human computers) who performed numerical calculations using mechanical calculators, such as the abacus and slide rule. The term was later given to a mechanical device as they began replacing the human computers. Today's computers are electronic devices that accept data (input), process that data, produce output, and then store (storage) the results.
Below is a picture of a computer with each of the main components. In the picture, you can see the Desktop computer, Flat-panel display, Speakers, Keyboard, and Mouse. We've also labeled each of the input devices and output devices.
Early computers like the ENIAC used vacuum tubes and were large (sometimes room size) and only found in businesses, Universities, or governments. Later, computers began utilizing transistors as well as smaller and cheaper parts that allowed the ordinary person to own a computer.
Today, computers make jobs that used to be complicated much simpler. For example, you can write a letter in a word processor, edit it anytime, spell check, print copies, and send it to someone across the world in a matter of seconds. All of these activities would have taken someone days, if not months, to do before. Also, all of the above is just a small fraction of what computers can do.
Today's computers have some or all of the below components (hardware) and peripherals. As technology advances, older technologies, such as a floppy disk drive and Zip drive (both shown below), are no longer required or included.
However, if you had a computer with only the above minimum parts, you would be unable to communicate with it until you connected at least one input device (e.g. Also, for you to see what is happening, you would need at least one output device (e.g.
When talking about a computer or a "PC," you are usually referring to a desktop computer that you would find in a home or office. Today, however, the lines of what makes a computer are blurring. Below are all the different examples of what is considered a computer today.
Today, there are two types of computers the PC (IBM compatible) and Apple Mac. There are dozens of companies that make and build PCs, and if you get all of the necessary parts for a computer, you can even make your own PC. However, when it comes to Apple, only Apple designs and makes these computers. See our computer companies page for a listing of companies (OEMs) that make and build computers.