A computer is a programmable device for processing, storing, and displaying information. Learn more in this article about modern digital electronic computers and their design, constituent parts, and applications as well as about the history of computing. Computer - History, Technology, Innovation: How did the abacus lead to modern computers?

Understanding the Context

The earliest known calculating device is the abacus, dating back to at least 1100 BCE and still in use today, particularly in Asia. The abacus showed that calculations could be represented physically and manipulated systematically. Its use of discrete bead positions—on or off—anticipated the digital ...