Define the term computer, including its purpose, components, and types of computers.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Student responses will vary, but should be drawn from the following information from the text.?Acomputeris an electronic device, operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory, that can accept data (input), process the data according to specified rules, produce information (output), and store the information for future use.?Computers contain many electric, electronic, and mechanical components known ashardware.?Electronic components in computers process data using instructions, which are the steps that tell the computer how to perform a particular task. A collection of related instructions organized for a common purpose is referred to as software or a program. Using software, you can complete a variety of activities, such as search for information, type a paper, balance a budget, create a presentation, or play a game. One popular category of computer is the personal computer.?Apersonal computer(PC) is a computer that can perform all of its input, processing, output, and storage activities by itself and is intended to be used by one person at a time. Most personal computers today also can communicate with other computers and devices. Types of personal computers include laptops, tablets, and desktops, with the first two sometimes called mobile computers.?Amobile computeris a portable personal computer, designed so that a user can carry it from place to place. Auseris anyone who interacts with a computer or mobile device, or utilizes the information it generates.