What is a computer

Computer derives its name from the word Compute that means calculation. A computer is an electronic device that processes or transforms data into useful information by executing a series of predefined instructions. In today, a computer is not only limited to computation, but also used for making phone calls, maintaining databases, listening songs, viewing movies etc. There are two principal characteristics of a computer – 1.It responds to a specific set of instructions in a well-defined manner. 2.It can execute a prerecorded list of instructions.