computers

A computer is a programmable machine that receives input, stores and manipulates data//information, and provides output in a useful format.

While a computer can, in theory, be made out of almost anything (see misconceptions section), and mechanical examples of computers have existed through much of recorded human history, the first electronic computers were developed in the mid-20th century (1940–1945). Originally, they were the size of a large room, consuming as much power as several hundred modern personal computers (PCs). 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. Simple computers are small enough to fit into mobile devices, and can be powered by a small battery. Personal computers in their various forms are icons of the Information Age and are what most people think of as "computers". However, the embedded computers found in many devices from MP3 players to fighter aircraft and from toys to industrial robots are the most numerous.

Computers

A computer is a machine for manipulating data according to a list of instructions. Computers take many forms, from early room-sized complexes to modern personal computers (PCs) and personal digital assistants (PDAs) to tiny embedded systems that add sophisticated capabilities to other devices like toys and appliances.

Contents

• 1 Sourced
  • 1.1 Software
    • 1.1.1 Computer games
    • 1.1.2 Programming
    • 1.1.3 Unix
• 2 Unsourced
• 3 Misattributed
• 4 See also
• 5 External links

Sourced

• Dare to be gorgeous and unique. But don't ever be cryptic or otherwise unfathomable. Make it unforgettably great.
  • Robert J. Mical, Amiga Intuition Reference Manual, 1986, (ISBN 0201110768), p. 231

From Wikiquote under the GNU Free Documentation License.
Sat Sep 4 08:57:29 2010