What Is a Computer?

A computer is an electronic machine that accepts data, processes it and produces information.

Data and Information

Data are raw facts — names, numbers, scores. Information is processed data that has meaning, such as a student's average score. A computer turns data into information.

Input, Process, Output

Every computer task follows a cycle: input → processing → output. Data is entered, the CPU processes it, and the result is displayed or stored. Storage holds data for later use.

Where Computers Are Used

• Schools — records, research and online learning.
• Banks — payments, accounts and security.
• Hospitals — patient records and imaging.
• Businesses — accounting, communication and design.

Practice

1. Define a computer in one sentence.
2. Give an example of data and the information made from it.
3. Describe the input-process-output cycle using a calculator.

Recap

A computer processes data into information through input, processing, output and storage.