The computer is an advanced electronic device that takes raw data as an input from the user and processes it under the control of a set of instructions (called program) produces a result (known as output) and saves it for future use.

 The computer is discovered by the great scientist Charles babbage.

The word computer comes from the word compute which means to calculate. Hence, people usually consider a computer to be a calculating device that can perform arithmetic operations at high speed.

In fact, the original objective for inventing a computer was to create a fast calculating machine. However, more than 80% of work done by computer today is of non-mathematical or non-numeric nature. Hence, to define a computer merely as a calculating device is to ignore over 80% of its functions.

More accurately, we can define a computer as a device that operates upon data. Data can be anything like bio-data of applicants when computer is used for shortlisting candidates for recruiting; marks obtained by students in various subjects when used for preparing results; details (name, age, sex, etc) of passengers when used for making airline or railway reservations,etc.

Hence, data comes in various shapes and sizes depending upon the type of computer application. A computer can store, process and retrieve data as and when desired. the fact that computer process data is so fundamental that many people have started calling it a data processor.