What is a computer?

A computer is not an acronym and sometimes abbreviated as comp or puter. The term "computer" was originally given to humans (human computers) who performed numerical calculations using mechanical calculators, such as the abacus and slide rule. The term was later given to a mechanical device as they began replacing the human computers. Today's computers are electronic devices that accept data (input), process that data, produce output, and then store (storage) the result.

Below is a picture of a computer with each of the main components that help make up a computer. In the picture, you can see the Desktop computer, Flat-panel display,Speakers, Keyboard, and Mouse. We've also labeled each of the input devices and output devices.

Today's computers have some or all of the below components (hardware). As technology advances, older technologies, such as a floppy disk drive and Zip drive (both shown below), are no longer required or included with computers.

A computer does not need all of the components mentioned above. However, a computer cannot work without having at the very minimum the below parts. CPU (processor),  Memory (RAM), Motherboard, Storage device (hard drive). Of course if you had a computer with the above minimum parts for you to communicate with it you would need at least one input device such as a keyboard.

Above, is just a few of the most well-known computers and an example of just how different computers can look today.