(Computer Science) a. a device, usually electronic, that processes data according to a set of instructions. 2021. He grew up both a computer geek in the early days of video games and an avid record collector. Besides physically connecting computer and communication devices, a network system serves the important function of establishing a cohesive architecture that allows a variety of equipment types to transfer information in a near-seamless fashion. Define computer hardware. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free! Some computer mice instead have a large ball on top of the mouse so that instead of moving the mouse across a surface to interact with the computer, the user keeps the mouse stationary and instead moves the ball with a finger. The following basic definitions of computer are all technically … A computer security risk is really anything on your computer that may damage or steal your data or allow someone else to access your computer, without your knowledge or consent. Computer network, two or more computers that are connected with one another for the purpose of communicating data electronically. See the full definition for computer in the English Language Learners Dictionary, Nglish: Translation of computer for Spanish Speakers, Britannica English: Translation of computer for Arabic Speakers, Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about computer. The name computer is derived from the Latin word Definition Computer: A computer is a device which has functions of receiving, storing and suitably processing data.A computer is automated to perform logical or arithmetic operations. A virus operates by inserting or attaching itself to a legitimate program or document that … The digital computer stores data in discrete units and performs arithmetical and logical operations at very high speed. A few definitions of computer. Definition of Computer: Computer is an electronic device, which process the data with the help of programs. Processing refers to converting the collected data into useful outputs. Accessed 28 Apr. The act of making a request for something; the paper on which the request is written is also called an application; as, an application to chancery for leave to invest Mainframes, desktop and laptop computers, tablets, and smartphones are some of the different types of computers. Somebody else led the way to a storeroom, tossed its contents into the hall, and festooned it with used computer tape. Where should the Oxford comma go in a sentence? Every PC is dependent on microprocessor technology, which allows PC makers to set the entire central processing unit (CPU) on a single chip. Later record keeping aids throughout the Fertile Crescent included calculi (clay spheres, cones, etc.) Today, however, the term is most often used to refer to the desktop and laptop computers that most people use. 1. countable noun [oft by/on N] A computer is an electronic machine that can store and deal with large amounts of information. I want all of you to understand that the machine you will have to take care of is not just an ordinary computer. All computers contain a central processing unit that interprets and executes instructions; input devices, such as a keyboard and a mouse, through which data and commands enter the computer; memory that enables the computer to store programs and data; and output devices, such as printers and display screens, that show the results after the computer has processed data. computer. Personal computer definition is - a general-purpose computer equipped with a microprocessor and designed to run especially commercial software (such as a … An example of a famous human computer is Ada Lovelace. Hardware is a set of components that make up the material ( physical ) part of a computer, unlike software that refers to logical ( intangible ) components. These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'computer.' However, the concept is usually understood more broadly and the use of it names all the physical elements of technology.. The Dictionary.com Word Of The Year For 2020 Is …. A daily challenge for crossword fanatics. This means it can execute a programmed list of instructions and respond to new instructions that it is given. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Complex computers include the means for storing data (including the program, which is also a form of data) for some necessary duration. A computer that performs calculations and logical operations with quantities represented as digits, usually in the binary number system. “Computer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/computer. Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012. a programmable electronic device designed to accept data, perform prescribed mathematical and logical operations at high speed, and display the results of these operations. It is further distinguished by the use of the zero, which enabled the computer to dispense with the columns of the Abacus. Delivered to your inbox! Computer receives input in the form of digitized data, using input devices like keyboard, mouse, joystick, scanner etc. which represented counts of items, probably livestock or grains, sealed in hollow unbaked clay containers. See more. A computer is a device that accepts information (in the form of digitalized data) and manipulates it for some result based on a program, software, or sequence of instructions on how the data is to be processed. Copyright © 2011. Younger kids may be making a big jump from mobile devices to traditional laptops or desktop computers, too, which might make them feel a bit lost. The computer and all the equipment attached to it are "hardware." A computer is a general-purpose machine that processes data according to a set of instructions temporarily stored internally. The company installed a $650,000 computer system. Dictionary.com Unabridged You've waited days, weeks, months, even years for... How to use a word that (literally) drives some pe... Can you correctly identify these flowers? A computer is a programmable machine. Mainframes, desktop and laptop computers, tablets, and smartphones are some of … Computer is used to perform some sequence of instructions in fast and accurate manner. The gears on the mechanical computer were really sharp and precise; they looked like you could cut yourself on them. computer hardware synonyms, computer hardware pronunciation, computer hardware translation, English dictionary definition of computer hardware. A computer is a machine or device that performs processes, calculations and operations based on instructions provided by a software or hardware program. computer definition. Technically, a computer means to calculate or electronic programmable machine. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Learn more. Learn a new word every day. 'All Intensive Purposes' or 'All Intents and Purposes'? An electronic device that stores and manipulates information. See computer revolution. A computer virus is a type of malicious code or program written to alter the way a computer operates and is designed to spread from one computer to another. A minicomputer is a computer which has all the features of a large size computer, but its size is smaller than those.A minicomputer lies between the mainframe and the microcomputer because its size is smaller than the former one and larger than the latter one. 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 device, in turn, can convert the handwritten text into more standard computer fonts. Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012 Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible). Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge! Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. The data are then fed into a computer. It has the ability to accept data (input), process it, and then produce outputs. A programmable machine that performs high-speed processing of numbers, as well as of text, graphics, symbols, and sound. Computer Technically, a computer is a programmable machine. The two principal characteristics of a computer are: It responds to a specific set of instructions in a well-defined manner and it can execute a prerecorded list of instructions (a program).. Modern Computers Defined The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Computer definition, a programmable electronic device designed to accept data, perform prescribed mathematical and logical operations at high speed, and display the results of these operations. See: anomaly, bug, defect, error, exception. A computer is a programmable device that stores, retrieves, and processes data. The Oxford comma vexes many a writer (to use or not to use!). After studying computer models of natural water flow — both saltwater and fresh — they begin a massive restoration project. Turn off the TV, put down your phone, and log off the computer. In the case of computer science and personal computers, the hardware allows not only … Digital computer definition, a computer that processes information in digital form. Why Do “Left” And “Right” Mean Liberal And Conservative? How to use computer in a sentence. The use of counting rods is one example. Unlike a calculator, it is able to store a program and retrieve information from its memory. A form of quantum teleportation will take place inside through the strange quantum mechanical properties of “superposition” and “entanglement” that make quantum computers hum—even if this device won’t zap my own body’s molecules to another planet. The digital computer stores data in discrete units and performs arithmetical and logical operations at very high speed. APPLICATION. (kom-pyū'tĕr), A programmable electronic device that can be used to store and manipulate data to carry out designated functions; the two fundamental components are hardware, that is, the actual electronic device, and software, that is, the instructions or program used to carry out the function. Computer is an electronic device, which accepts the data and instructions (input) from the user, process the data according to the instructions and gives the result (output). computer meaning: 1. an electronic machine that is used for storing, organizing, and finding words, numbers, and…. Computer definition stems from the three steps it gets through to compute a given data. The Logitech M570 is one example of this type of mouse. an electronic machine that is used for storing, organizing, and finding words, numbers, and pictures, for doing calculations, and for controlling other machines: a personal / home computer All our customer orders are handled by computer. What made you want to look up computer? In this war, the targeting is often happening on computer monitors thousands of miles away, capturing images from drones. Most computers today are digital, which means they perform operations with quantities represented electronically as digits. Definition: A minicomputer is also known as mini. The earliest counting device was probably a form of tally stick. It is a class of small computers that was introduced into the world in the mid-1960s. Here’s why ecologists love them, Apple debuts its new iPad and iPad Air during its ‘Time Flies’ event, IBM plans a huge leap in superfast quantum computing by 2023, To confront the climate crisis, the US should launch a National Energy Innovation Mission, Make online classes easier with these laptop shortcuts, Pentagon Doesn’t Know How Many People It’s Killed in the ISIS War, His First Day Out Of Jail After 40 Years: Adjusting To Life Outside, Dear Leelah, We Will Fight On For You: A Letter to a Dead Trans Teen, DJ Spooky Wants You To Question Everything You Know About Music, Technology, and Philosophy. The hybrid computer combines some of the advantages of digital and analog computers. Of data computer combines some of the Year for 2020 is …, the is. `` hardware. equipment attached to it are `` hardware. a set of temporarily! This type of mouse new instructions that it is able to store a program instructions to give.. 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