What is a Computer?

A computer, in the simplest definition, is a machine that computes. Its abilities to make these calculations make it possible for a computer to control operations, or perform functions.

It's interesting to note that the word computer originally described a person involved in performing arts- in fact, it wasn't until 1897 that computer was first used to describe a mechanical calculating device!

The very first computers were huge machines, occupying entire rooms, and weighing hundreds of pounds. So expensive that only governments and certain organizations could have them, they required many people to operate them.

Today, computers are much cheaper, much smaller, and much, much more powerful.