Computer

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see Computer Technology Limited. For other uses, see Computer
(disambiguation) andComputer system (disambiguation).
Computer

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 operations can
be readily changed, the computer can solve more than one kind of problem.
Conventionally, a computer consists of at least one processing element, typically
a central processing unit (CPU), and some form of memory. The processing element
carries out arithmetic and logic operations, and a sequencing and control unit can
change the order of operations in response to stored information. Peripheral
devices allow information to be retrieved from an external source, and the result of
operations saved and retrieved.
Mechanical analog computers started appearing in the first century and were later
used in the medieval era for astronomical calculations. In World War II, mechanical
analog computers were used for specialized military applications such as calculating
torpedo aiming. During this time the first electronic digital computers were
developed. Originally they were the size of a large room, consuming as much 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] Computers
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 and from electronic toys to industrial robots are the most numerous.

Contents
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1Etymology

2History
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2.1Pre-twentieth century

2.2First general-purpose computing device

2.3Later analog computers

2.4Digital computer development

2.4.1Electromechanical

2.4.2Vacuum tubes and digital electronic circuits

2.4.3Stored programs

2.4.4Transistors

2.4.5Integrated circuits

2.5Mobile computers become dominant

3Programs
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3.1Stored program architecture

3.2Machine code

3.3Programming language

3.3.1Low-level languages

3.3.2High-level languages/Third Generation Language

3.4Fourth Generation Languages

3.5Program design

3.6Bugs

4Components
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4.1Control unit

4.2Central processing unit (CPU)

4.3Arithmetic logic unit (ALU)

4.4Memory

4.5Input/output (I/O)

4.6Multitasking

4.7Multiprocessing

5Networking and the Internet

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5.1Computer architecture paradigms

6Misconceptions
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6.1Unconventional computing

7Future

8Further topics
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8.1Artificial intelligence

9Hardware
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9.1History of computing hardware

9.2Other hardware topics

10Software

11Languages
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11.1Firmware

12Types of computers
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12.1Based on uses

12.2Based on sizes

13Input Devices

14Output Devices

15Professions and organizations

16See also

17Notes

18References

19External links