# computer

> general-purpose device for performing arithmetic or logical operations

**Wikidata**: [Q68](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q68)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/computer

## Summary
A computer is a general-purpose machine that carries out arithmetic or logical operations under the control of software. First built around 1945, it combines hardware (physical parts like the central processing unit and keyboard) with software (non-tangible instructions) to process data and perform tasks ranging from simple calculations to complex simulations.

## Key Facts
- General-purpose device for performing arithmetic or logical operations.
- Core components: software, computer hardware, central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), computer keyboard, input-output device.
- Charles Babbage, 1791-1871, is credited as the inventor.
- First working machines appeared circa 1945.
- Classified as an invention, machine, computing platform, IT system, information processor, and data terminal equipment.
- Primarily uses electronics; mechanical energy is rare (mechanical computer).
- Wikidata sitelinks: 294 language editions.
- Reddit community r/computers founded 23 Mar 2008; 175,367 followers as of 24 May 2023.
- Dewey Decimal classes: 004, 621.39, 004.1.
- Library of Congress subject heading: sh85029552.

## FAQs
### Q: What exactly is a computer?
A: A computer is any machine that can be programmed to carry out sequences of arithmetic or logical operations automatically. It combines hardware for physical processing with software for instructions.

### Q: Who invented the computer?
A: English mathematician Charles Babbage (1791-1871) is recognized as the inventor; practical electronic computers emerged around 1945.

### Q: What are the main parts of a computer?
A: Essential parts include the central processing unit (CPU) for executing instructions, computer hardware for physical structure, software for programs, a computer keyboard for text input, and input-output devices for interaction.

### Q: How is a computer different from a calculator?
A: A calculator performs fixed arithmetic only, while a computer is general-purpose: it can store and run different programs, process varied data types, and handle complex logic.

### Q: Why do computers use electricity?
A: Electronics (electricity) provide fast, reliable switching needed for modern computation; mechanical energy is relegated to rare mechanical computers.

## Why It Matters
Computers underpin every aspect of modern life. They automate repetitive tasks, enable global communication, accelerate scientific discovery, and power entertainment, finance, healthcare, and transportation. By executing billions of instructions per second, computers turn raw data into actionable insight, replacing manual calculation and analog systems with speed, accuracy, and flexibility. Their programmability means a single device can become a word processor, flight simulator, or DNA sequencer simply by changing software, making them the most versatile invention since the printing press. Without computers, contemporary society—internet, smartphones, cloud services, and advanced research—would not exist.

## Notable For
- First general-purpose programmable machine, distinguishing it from single-purpose calculators.
- Rapid adoption: from room-sized 1940s prototypes to pocket smartphones within 70 years.
- Ubiquitous presence: 294 Wikipedia language editions, indicating global cultural penetration.
- Central to computer science discipline and the digital economy.
- Continuous evolution: from vacuum-tube giants to silicon nanometer-scale GPUs.

## Body
### Definition and Classification
A computer is formally defined as a general-purpose device for performing arithmetic or logical operations. It is subclassed as a machine, computing platform, IT system, information processor, and data terminal equipment. Instances range from single-board computers to supercomputers like Summit.

### Historical Milestones
Charles Babbage conceived the concept in the 19th century. Practical electronic computers emerged circa 1945, marking the start of the computing era.

### Components
- **Software**: non-tangible executable instructions (169 sitelinks).
- **Hardware**: physical components (127 sitelinks).
- **CPU**: executes instructions (121 sitelinks).
- **GPU**: specialized graphics accelerator (65 sitelinks).
- **Keyboard**: text input device (129 sitelinks).
- **I/O devices**: peripherals for interaction (5 sitelinks).

### Related Machines
Notable examples include the 1990s IBM RS/6000, 1983 Belgian GEM 1000, 2020 Chinese quantum prototype Jiuzhang, and 1975 IBM 3790 minicomputer.

### Identifiers and Cataloging
The entity carries authoritative IDs: GND 4070083-5, Library of Congress sh85029552, Dewey Decimal 004, and UNSPSC 43211500, ensuring precise cataloging across libraries and databases.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Computer",
  "description": "A general-purpose device for performing arithmetic or logical operations.",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/entity/Q68",
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer"
  ],
  "additionalType": "https://schema.org/Machine"
}

## References

1. STW Thesaurus for Economics
2. AGROVOC
3. [Source](http://cs.sru.edu/~mullins/cpsc100book/module02_introduction/module02-03_introduction.html)
4. [Source](https://www.informationq.com/about-the-basic-parts-of-a-computer-with-devices/)
5. [Source](https://www.youngwonks.com/blog/Basic-Parts-of-a-Computer)
6. [Source](https://www.idtech.com/blog/parts-of-a-computer)
7. Freebase Data Dumps
8. [Nuovo soggettario](https://thes.bncf.firenze.sbn.it/termine.php?id=2752)
9. [Registros de autoridad de "Materia" de la Biblioteca Nacional de España. Spain open data portal](https://www.bne.es/media/datosgob/catalogo-autoridades/materia/materia-UTF8.zip)
10. Integrated Authority File
11. BBC Things
12. EuroVoc
13. Global Agricultural Concept Space
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15. YSO-Wikidata mapping project
16. BabelNet
17. WikiUMLS: Aligning UMLS to Wikipedia via Cross-lingual Neural Ranking
18. [Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/computers/)
19. ASC Leiden Thesaurus dataset of 5 June 2018
20. [Source](https://golden.com/wiki/Computer-KAN)
21. National Library of Israel
22. KBpedia
23. Library of Congress Medium of Performance Thesaurus for Music
24. SEKO - Finnish medium of performance thesaurus
25. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)
26. Wikibase TDKIV