Computer

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

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).

Moderm PCs normally have the following main components:

• A display, known as a monitor. This is the main form of output to the user.
• A keyboard and mouse, the main forms of input by the user.
• Storage drives or disks, where data is stored long term. The following are typical types:
  • Optical - CD, DVD and Blu-Ray
  • Hard disks
  • USB/Thumb/Jump - highly portable storage that plugs directly into the USB port.
  • Cards - SD, CompactFlash, and others; typically requires a card reader. Also used in "portable electronics", like MP3 players and digital cameras.
• Power Supply Unit
• Motherboard with CPU
• Graphic system, aka, video card (this is where a GPU might be found).
• Sound system:
  • a sound 'card'
  • an internal speaker
  • external speakers
  • microphone
• Networking devices, such as:
  • WiFi
  • modem
  • Network 'card'