Computers can be classified as one of three types of computers: a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or specialized computer. A general-purpose computer has four main components: the arithmetic logic unit (ALU), the control unit, the memory, and the input and output devices (collectively termed I/O). These parts are interconnected by buses, often made of groups of wires. Inside each of these parts are thousands to trillions of small electrical circuits which can be turned off or on by means of an electronic switch. Each circuit represents a bit (binary digit) of information so that when the circuit is on it represents a "1", and when off it represents a "0" (in positive logic representation). The circuits are arranged in logic gates so that one or more of the circuits may control the state of one or more of the other circuits. Multimedia computer ( non-linear editing system computers, video editing PCs and the like, this term is no longer used) [109] Charles Babbage, an English mechanical engineer and polymath, originated the concept of a programmable computer. Considered the " father of the computer", [22] he conceptualized and invented the first mechanical computer in the early 19th century. Fortunately, there are tests we can run to see how well a processor performs in the real world, and the best way to do that is to push a processor to its limits by running finely-calibrated benchmarking tools that produce comparable scores based on how well a processor performed a specific task - like compressing a video file, or performing the complex math used for 3D gaming.

Macs are an excellent choice if you're already in an Apple-centric household, since they have seamless compatibility with iPads and iPhones, including the ability to send and receive messages on any device connected to your iCloud account. The cost of entry will be higher than with the least expensive PCs, however. Desktop towers and mini PCs also require separate speakers or headphones to deliver audio. If you don’t already have them, you'll have to spend extra money to buy some, and in the case of dedicated speakers, they'll take up room on your desk. For people who don't care as much about audio quality and just want loud enough audio to hear family members on the other end of a Skype call, the built-in speakers of an AIO should work just fine. Choosing a graphics card is a complex affair. Gamers should consider the capabilities of their monitor first. A 4K monitor or one with a high refresh rate (144Hz or greater) will require a profoundly powerful GPU (or occasionally even two GPUs) to display games at the monitor's maximum potential. If you're just looking to do some middle-of-the-road gaming on a 1080p monitor (and not looking to win any professional esports crowns), a mainstream card like those in Nvidia's GeForce GTX series will do just fine. At the high end, current GPU choices for gaming desktops comprise Nvidia's GeForce RTX 3000 and growing 4000 series, and AMD's Radeon RX 6000 and burgeoning 7000 series. The RTX 2000 series and RX 5000 series respectively indicate previous-generation cards. Some will be inside the computer and others will be outside . Some parts are connected by wires and others are wireless .Ancient Discoveries, Episode 11: Ancient Robots, History Channel, archived from the original on 2014-03-01 , retrieved 2008-09-06

Computer programs are designed or written by computer programmers. A few programmers write programs in the computer's own language, called machine code. Most programs are written using a programming language like C, C++, JavaScript. These programming languages are more like the language with which one talks and writes every day. The compiler converts the user's instructions into binary code (machine code) that the computer will understand and do what is needed. Defining characteristics of some early digital computers of the 1940s (In the history of computing hardware) NameWhether you're a PC gamer or a creative professional, the best processors will go a long to speeding up your workloads and letting you multitask like a champ. Some of the best cheap processors are more than enough for most people, even, so you don't have to spend a lot of money to get the performance you need. Ada Lovelace honoured by Google doodle", The Guardian, Dec 10, 2012, archived from the original on 25 December 2018 , retrieved 10 December 2012 Many mechanical aids to calculation and measurement were constructed for astronomical and navigation use. The planisphere was a star chart invented by Abū Rayhān al-Bīrūnī in the early 11th century. [8] The astrolabe was invented in the Hellenistic world in either the 1st or 2nd centuries BCE and is often attributed to Hipparchus. A combination of the planisphere and dioptra, the astrolabe was effectively an analog computer capable of working out several different kinds of problems in spherical astronomy. An astrolabe incorporating a mechanical calendar computer [9] [10] and gear-wheels was invented by Abi Bakr of Isfahan, Persia in 1235. [11] Abū Rayhān al-Bīrūnī invented the first mechanical geared lunisolar calendar astrolabe, [12] an early fixed- wired knowledge processing machine [13] with a gear train and gear-wheels, [14] c. 1000 AD. A computer is a machine that can be programmed to carry out sequences of arithmetic or logical operations ( computation) automatically. Modern digital electronic computers can perform generic sets of operations known as programs. These programs enable computers to perform a wide range of tasks. A computer system is a nominally complete computer that includes the hardware, operating system (main software), and peripheral equipment needed and used for full operation. This term may also refer to a group of computers that are linked and function together, such as a computer network or computer cluster. With capability that can meet professional standards, this is one flexible mini PC, whether you want to use it to power signage or a point-of-sale device, or use it as your daily driver. The NUC form factor makes it especially fitting for space-strapped offices or hybrid workplaces that don't want large, permanent towers cluttering up desks.