computer etymology

Etymology

The word "computer" has its roots in the Latin word "computare," which means "to calculate" or "to reckon." The term was first used in the 17th century to refer to a person who performed calculations, typically using a mechanical device like an abacus or slide rule.

Meaning

In contemporary usage, "computer" generally refers to an electronic machine capable of performing a wide range of calculations and computations. Computers are used in a vast array of applications, from basic arithmetic operations to complex scientific simulations and data analysis.

Origin

The concept of automating computation dates back to ancient times, with devices like the Antikythera Mechanism and the abacus being used for calculations. However, the modern electronic computer is a relatively recent invention:

• 1941: The Z3, considered the first fully automatic electro-mechanical computer, was developed by Konrad Zuse in Germany.
• 1946: The Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC), the first general-purpose electronic computer, was completed at the University of Pennsylvania in the United States.
• 1951: The Universal Automatic Computer (UNIVAC I), the first commercially available computer, was introduced.

Over the subsequent decades, computers have undergone rapid evolution, becoming smaller, faster, and more powerful. From the mainframes of the 1950s to the personal computers of the 1980s and the smartphones of today, computers have become an indispensable part of modern life.

computer relate terms

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• count

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• ENIAC

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• calculator

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• boot

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• mackintosh

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• browser

  Etymology Browser is derived from the Middle English word brous meaning to browse

• data

  Data Etymology From the Latin word datum meaning given Meaning A piece of i

• screen

  Etymology The word screen comes from the Old French word escran which in turn is de

• program

  Program Etymology Etymology Latin programma Greek programma Meaning Plan s

• host

  Etymology The word host comes from the Old English word hōst which in turn is deri

• guest

  Etymology The word guest comes from the Old English word gæst which is cognate with

• site

  Etymology Late Middle English from Old French from Latin situs situation place fr