Computer technology" and "Computer system" redirect here.

For the company, see C

omputer Technology Limited. For other uses, see Computer (disambiguation) and Co
mputer system (disambiguation).
Computer
Acer Aspire 8920 Gemstone.jpgColumbia Supercomputer - NASA Advanced Supercomputi
ng Facility.jpgIntertec Superbrain.jpg
2010-01-26-technikkrempel-by-RalfR-05.jpgThinking Machines Connection Machine CM
-5 Frostburg 2.jpgG5 supplying Wikipedia via Gigabit at the Lange Nacht der Wiss
enschaften 2006 in Dresden.JPG
DM IBM S360.jpgAcorn BBC Master Series Microcomputer.jpgDell PowerEdge Servers.j
pg
A computer is a general-purpose device that can be programmed to carry out a set
of arithmetic or logical operations automatically. Since a sequence of operatio
ns can be readily changed, the computer can solve more than one kind of problem.
Conventionally, a computer consists of at least one processing element, typicall
y a central processing unit (CPU), and some form of memory. The processing eleme
nt carries out arithmetic and logic operations, and a sequencing and control uni
t can change the order of operations in response to stored information. Peripher
al devices allow information to be retrieved from an external source, and the re
sult of operations saved and retrieved.
Mechanical analog computers started appearing in the first century and were late
r used in the medieval era for astronomical calculations. In World War II, mecha
nical analog computers were used for specialized military applications such as c
alculating torpedo aiming. During this time the first electronic digital compute
rs were developed. Originally they were the size of a large room, consuming as m
uch power as several hundred modern personal computers (PCs).[1]
Modern computers based on integrated circuits are millions to billions of times
more capable than the early machines, and occupy a fraction of the space.[2] Com
puters are small enough to fit into mobile devices, and mobile computers can be
powered by small batteries. Personal computers in their various forms are icons
of the Information Age and are generally considered as "computers". However, the
embedded computers found in many devices from MP3 players to fighter aircraft a
nd from electronic toys to industrial robots are the most numerous.