Computer

Computer

A computer is any very stupid machine that can execute an algorithm. The sucess of a computer at any given task depends on it's algorithms and it's speed. Any collection of algorithms for a specific task in a computer is called a program. Once started, a program runs to completion or loops indefinitely.

Computers can be constructed to read programs from any one of many sources, rangeing from paper tape to Hard drives to photons. As long as the data can be entered and understood, the computer can process it. How long it takes to process is a function of the computer's own construction. Early computers were mechanical, and very limited. As time progressed, electronic computers appeared and became smaller, faster, and cheeper. Today, a modern laptop outperforms the mainframes of 1978.