A computer is an electronic machine that can be programmed to automatically perform sequences of arithmetic or logical operations, known as computation
. It processes data by accepting input, storing and manipulating it according to instructions (software), and producing output, which can be information or control signals
. Modern computers consist of hardware components such as a central processing unit (CPU), memory, storage devices, and input/output peripherals like keyboards, mice, monitors, and printers. Software programs direct the hardware to perform specific tasks
. Computers range from simple embedded devices in appliances to powerful general-purpose machines like personal computers, servers, and supercomputers
. In summary, a computer is a programmable electronic device that manipulates data to perform a wide variety of tasks, from basic calculations to complex operations, by combining hardware and software components
