A __computer__ is a machine that can be instructed to carry out sequences of arithmetic or Boolean algebra operations automatically via computer programming.
We are more interested in the human computer, than the machine. This augmented notion of computation, is also alluded to in James Lovelocks
Modern computers have the ability to follow generalized sets of operations, called ''Computer program.'' These programs enable computers to perform an extremely wide range of tasks. A "complete" computer including the Computer hardware, the operating system (main software), and peripheral equipment required and used for "full" operation can be referred to as a __computer system__. This term may as well be used for a group of computers that are connected and work together, in particular a computer network or computer cluster - wikipedia 
Computer. Automatic general-purpose device for performing arithmetic or logical operations - wikimedia
Computers are used as control systems for a wide variety of Programmable logic controller and Consumer electronics. This includes simple special purpose devices like microwave ovens and remote controls, factory devices such as industrial robots and computer-aided design, and also general purpose devices like personal computers and mobile devices such as smartphones. The Internet is run on computers and it connects hundreds of millions of other computers and their users.
Early computers were only conceived as calculating devices. Since ancient times, simple manual devices like the abacus aided people in doing calculations. Early in the Industrial Revolution, some mechanical devices were built to automate long tedious tasks, such as guiding patterns for looms. More sophisticated electrical machines did specialized analogue electronics calculations in the early 20th century. The first Digital data electronic calculating machines were developed during World War II. The first semiconductor transistors in the late 1940s were followed by the silicon-based MOSFET (MOS transistor) and monolithic integrated circuit (IC) chip technologies in the late 1950s, leading to the microprocessor and the microcomputer revolution in the 1970s. The speed, power and versatility of computers have been increasing dramatically ever since then, with Transistor count increasing at a rapid pace (as predicted by Moore's law), leading to the Digital Revolution during the late 20th to early 21st centuries.
Conventionally, a modern computer consists of at least one processing element, typically a central processing unit (CPU) in the form of a metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) microprocessor, along with some type of computer memory, typically MOS semiconductor memory chips. The processing element carries out arithmetic and logical operations, and a sequencing and control unit can change the order of operations in response to stored data. Peripheral devices include input devices (keyboards, mice, joystick, etc.), output devices (monitor screens, printers, etc.), and input/output devices that perform both functions (e.g., the 2000s-era touchscreen). Peripheral devices allow information to be retrieved from an external source and they enable the result of operations to be saved and retrieved.
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# See also
- Glossary of computers - Computability theory - Computer insecurity - Computer security - Glossary of computer hardware terms - History of computer science - List of computer term etymologies - List of fictional computers - List of pioneers in computer science - Pulse computation - TOP500 - Unconventional computing
- Computational vs Augmented - Computer (job description) - Computer-supported cooperative work - Collaborative software - Group People, Loop Computers - Computer Enhanced Creativity - Collaborative Automation - MONIAC - Life with Transistors - Early Computer Simulation - Computer simulation - Apollo Guidance Computer - Computer Mouse - Easy to Use - Personal Dynamic Media