Computer – Definitions
A computer is an electronic machine, operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory that can accept data (input), manipulate the data according to specified rules (process), produce results (output), and store the results for future use.
Technically, a computer is a programmable machine. This means it can execute a list of programmed instructions and respond to new instructions that it is given.
History of Computer
The working principles of today's computers were provided by an English mathematician Charles Babbage around 1833's invented a machine called the "Analytical Engine". A machine which could calculate and print tables of functions using limited techniques.
The Analytical Engine had four parts. A mill, which was the section which did the calculations, essentially the CPU; the store, were the information was kept recorded, essentially the memory; the reader, which would allow data to be entered using punched cards, essentially the keyboard, and the printer.
Hence, Charles Babbage is considered as the "Father of the Computer"
The generations of computers are characterized by a major technological development that fundamentally changed the way computers operate, resulting in increasingly smaller, cheaper, more powerful and more efficient and reliable devices. The various generations of computers are listed below: