Computer

Computers are tools used to process data according to procedures that have been formulated. The original computer word is used to describe the person whose work is doing arithmetic calculations, with or without tools, but the meaning of this word is then transferred to the machine itself. Its origin, processing almost exclusive information is related to arithmetic problems, but modern computers are used for many tasks not related to mathematics.

In such a meaning there are tools such as slide rules, types of mechanical calculators ranging from abacus and so on, to all contemporary electronic computers. Better terms suitable for broad meanings such as "computers" are "information processing" or "information processing systems." Over the years there have been several different meanings in the word "computer", and several different words are now referred to as computers.

The word computer has generally been used to define people who carry out arithmetic calculations, with or without auxiliary machines. According to Barnhart Concise Dictionary of Etymology, the word was used in English in 1646 as the word for "calculating person" then before 1897 it was also used as a "mechanical calculating device". During World War II the word referred to US and British female workers whose work counted war artillery roads with calculating machines.