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Computer

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A computer is a machine that manipulates data according to a set of instructions.

Although 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). These 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 a wristwatch, and can be powered by a watch battery. Personal computers in their various forms are icons of the Information Age and are what most people think of as "computers". The embedded computers found in many devices from MP3 players to fighter aircraft and from toys to industrial robots are however the most numerous.

The ability to store and execute lists of instructions called programs makes computers extremely versatile, distinguishing them from calculators. The Church–Turing thesis is a mathematical statement of this versatility: any computer with a certain minimum capability is, in principle, capable of performing the same tasks that any other computer can perform. Therefore computers ranging from a mobile phone to a supercomputer are all able to perform the same computational tasks, given enough time and storage capacity.

For more information about Computer, read the full article at Wikipedia.
This text uses material from Wikipedia and is available under the GNU Free Documentation License.


News tagged with computer

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Apple's  iPod Touch

Curtain falling on 'Digital Decade'

Technology / Hi Tech

created Dec 27, 2009 | popularity 4.2 / 5 (11) | comments 8

While it got off to a rocky start with the overhyped Y2K bug and dotcom bubble, the era dubbed the "Digital Decade" by Microsoft's Bill Gates has turned out to be a dizzying period of innovation.


Apple may unveil a long-awaited portable tablet computer next month

Apple up sharply on tablet computer reports

Electronics / Consumer & Gadgets

created Dec 24, 2009 | popularity 3.3 / 5 (6) | comments 0

Apple Inc. shares hit a record high on Wall Street on Thursday following reports that the California company may unveil a long-awaited portable tablet computer next month.


Understanding interaction in virtual worlds

Technology / Computer Sciences

created Dec 23, 2009 | popularity 3 / 5 (10) | comments 0

New cinema blockbuster, Avatar, leapt to the top of box office charts as soon as it came out — a stunning 3D realisation of an alien world. Our fascination with themes of escape to other fantastic places and the thrill of ...


Routine screening for postnatal depression not cost effective

Medicine & Health / Psychology & Psychiatry

created Dec 23, 2009 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Routine screening for postnatal depression in primary care - as recommended in recent guidance from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) - do not appear to represent value for money for the NHS, ...





Search results for computer


Moving video to 'captcha' robot hackers

Technology / Computer Sciences

created 17 hours ago | popularity 3 / 5 (2) | comments 1

We see the popular "captcha" security mechanism often ― wavy letters websites ask us to type into a box. It's used by web pages and newsletter sign-up forms to prevent computer robots from hacking into servers and databases. ...


CU Students to Build Tiny Spacecraft to Observe 'Space Weather' Environment

CU Students to Build Tiny Spacecraft to Observe 'Space Weather' Environment

Space & Earth / Space Exploration

created 19 hours ago | popularity 4.3 / 5 (4) | comments 0

(PhysOrg.com) -- The University of Colorado at Boulder has been awarded $840,000 from the National Science Foundation for students to build a tiny spacecraft to observe energetic particles in space that should ...


Researchers Create New Way To Locate Big Genetic Variants

Biology / Biotechnology

created Dec 28, 2009 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

(PhysOrg.com) -- Yale University researchers, analyzing hundreds of billions of bits of genetic information, have collated and standardized 2,000 signposts that mark the boundaries of large blocks of human genomic variants.


A facial expression is worth a thousand words

A facial expression is worth a thousand words

Medicine & Health / Psychology & Psychiatry

created Dec 28, 2009 | popularity 3.2 / 5 (5) | comments 0

(PhysOrg.com) -- Moving pictures are more suitable to interpret the mood of a person than a static photograph.


Cockroaches offer inspiration for running robots

Cockroaches offer inspiration for running robots

Electronics / Robotics

created Dec 28, 2009 | popularity 4.8 / 5 (5) | comments 0

The sight of a cockroach scurrying for cover may be nauseating, but the insect is also a biological and engineering marvel, and is providing researchers at Oregon State University with what they call "bioinspiration" ...


Seeing without looking

Seeing without looking

Medicine & Health / Neuroscience

created Dec 28, 2009 | popularity 4.6 / 5 (13) | comments 2

Like a spotlight that illuminates an otherwise dark scene, attention brings to mind specific details of our environment while shutting others out. A new study by researchers at the Salk Institute for Biological ...


Taiwan's Inventec Corp, a key maker of notebook computers, is set to to build a plant in southwestern China

Taiwan notebook maker Inventec plans China plant

Technology / Business

created Dec 28, 2009 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Taiwan's Inventec Corp, the world's fourth largest contract notebook computer maker, said Monday it will spend 800 million US dollars to build a plant in southwestern China.


Glider robot a sleek ocean explorer

Space & Earth / Earth Sciences

created Dec 27, 2009 | popularity 4.6 / 5 (14) | comments 2

The sea was heaving, the skies gray. The captain of the research ship was worried about the weather. About 120 miles off the coast of Spain, three Rutgers University scientists had a narrow window of opportunity to find and ...


High-tech vehicles pose trouble for some mechanics

Technology / Other

created Dec 27, 2009 | popularity 4.5 / 5 (6) | comments 5

(AP) -- A sign inside the Humming Motors auto repair shop says, "We do the worrying so you don't have to."


College asks students to power down, contemplate (AP)

College asks students to power down, contemplate

Technology / Hi Tech

created Dec 24, 2009 | popularity 1 / 5 (1) | comments 0

(AP) -- Dianne Lynch wanted to give the students of Stephens College a break from the constant digital communication that pervades their generation. So she asked them to put their phones and computers away ...



List of search results for computer