What's a Computer?

Lady Ada Lovelace

Devised a method of using punch cards to calculate numbers, becoming the "first computer programmer".

Computer

Electronic device that receives data, processes data, stores data, and produces a result.

Alan Turing

"Father of the Modern Computer"; created first operational electronic digital computer in the 1940s and Turing machine

Mini-computer

A computer of medium power, more than a microcomputer but less than a mainframe.

Super Computer

A computer or array of computers that act as one collective machine capable of processing enormous amounts of data. It is used for very complex jobs such as nuclear research or forecasting weather patterns.

Server

A computer or computer program that manages access to a centralized resource or service in a network.

Input device

A device used to enter information into a computer.

Mainframe Computer

A large, multi-user computer commonly used in large businesses and government agencies; more powerful than a minicomputer.

Software

A program or instructions that give directions to the computer.

Peripheral devices

All the other external, physical components of the computer such as the input and output devices

Output device

Any device that presents data from the computer.

John Van Neumann

Basic architecture of Computers.

Microcomputer/Personal Computer

Computer that is powerful enough for an individual's needs in word processing, spreadsheets, and database management.

Charles Babbage

He is known as the "Father of Computers." He developed the Difference Engine and the Analytical Engine. These two machines were powered by steam to move the punch cards and operate the gears. His ideas were later used to design calculators and computers.

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

The key component of a computer system, which contains the circuitry necessary to interpret and execute program instructions

Hardware

The physical components of a computer.