A computer is an electronic device that can be programmed to carry out sequences of arithmetic or logical operations automatically. It can manipulate information or data, store, retrieve, and process data. The term "computer" is derived from the Latin word "computare" which means to calculate. Computers come in many shapes and sizes, and they perform many different functions in our daily lives. They can process numerical as well as non-numerical calculations. Computers use a combination of hardware and software, where hardware refers to any physical part of the computer, including the internal components, and software refers to the programs that run on the computer.

In addition to personal computers, there are other types of computers, such as supercomputers, which are used for large-scale simulations, graphics rendering, and cryptography applications. Tablet computers, which are wireless personal computers with a touch screen, and workstations, which are designed for a single user to complete a specialized technical or scientific task, are also examples of computers.

A computer network is a system that connects two or more computing devices for transmitting and sharing information. Computer networks promote flexibility and enable users to access and work on sensitive data, even when they are away from the company premises.