Computer

A term that originally was given to humans who performed numerical calculations using mechanical calculators such as the slide rule and abacus that was later given to a mechanical device that was planned on being used to replace these humans.  A computer sometimes abbreviated as 'puter today is an electronic device that allows you to input data and have it stored, processed, or otherwise manipulated quickly and efficiently.

Computers help make jobs that used to be complicated much simpler. For example, a user can easily write letters in a word processor and edit any portion of the letter anytime, spell check the letter, and move text from another document into the letter, etc. This is just one of the hundreds of different things a computer is capable of doing.

The first computer was called the ENIAC, which was built during World War II. Computers first utilized vacuum tubes and were very 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 common person to own their own computer. This history of computers and related topics can be found on our history page. Information about when the first computer was created can be found on document CH000984.

Today, most computers are often comprised with some or all of the below components. 

Connections:

A diagram of the back of a personal computer and a brief description of the computer connections can also be found on our connection dictionary definition.

Inside of the computer:

Additional information about what is inside of a computer can be found on document CH000997.

Types of computers:

There are several types of computers, below is a listing of some of the major types of computers you're most likely to encounter.

• Embedded computers - The most commonly found and used computer. An embedded computer is a computer with a specific function found in such things as cars, microwaves, TVs, the VCR, and other home electronics.
• Personal computer - As shown above the personal computer is the most widely used computer today and most likely what you're using now. Personal computers are available in two different brands IBM compatible (often referred to as PC) and Apple Macintosh computers. 
• Laptop / Portable computer - Another commonly used computer, a laptop or portable computer is a small computer that users can easily carry around and work with when on the road or elsewhere.
• Server - A powerful computer that is often set aside to perform a specific task. For example, a web server is one or more computers responsible for handling the data for a website and the users visiting it.
• Mainframe or Supercomputer - Often large computers or a collection of smaller computers working as a large computer to perform extremely complicated tasks such as receiving and displaying and understanding weather patterns.

See our peripheral definition for some of the different types of peripherals that can be attached to your computer.

• Free computer help can be found at Computer Hope
• See our basic troubleshooting section for commonly encountered computer related problems and basic troubleshooting steps for different operating systems.
• Additional information about building a computer as well as how to install computer hardware can be found on document CHADD.

Also see: Computer family, Computer Hope, Connection, Home Computer, Laptop computer, My Computer, PC, Server