A computer is an assembly of hardware components which can manipulate information, including calculation, processing of text, processing on complex data structures (including representations of knowledge), storage of information, and input and output of information.
The components of a computer typically include one or more central processing units (CPU), also known as a computer processor or processor, memory, mass storage, input and output devices, a console for basic control, one or more buses for communications between components, a power supply, a cooling system, and a physical mounting system and enclosure.
Two or more computers can communicate through a communications link or through a networking connection.
A computer is typically thought of as including some level of software as well, but the combination of computer hardware and software is referred to as a computer system.
A computer program running on a computer is known as a process. Technically, a process runs on a processor and a single computer may have more than one processor. Many computers are able to simultaneously run multiple processes even on a single CPU or processor by using a technique known as multi-tasking.
Singular of computers.
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Updated: December 17, 2005 08:25:11 PM -0500
Copyright © 2005 John W. Krupansky d/b/a Base Technology