what is a computer??

its an electronic machine that takes raw data nd converts it into meaningful imformation...:)

Actually, this is the first time I have ever seen anyone has ever asked, "What is a computer". Especially over the internet since the main mode of connection is via a computer.

A computer to me is a device that computes, especially a programmable electronic machine that performs high-speed mathematical or logical operations or that assembles, stores, correlates, or otherwise processes information.

A machine that interact with men, so the computer should have a monitor to show data in form of image to see what he's got to say, to read his text and other things, and also a Speakers to generate acoustic wave to hear music... in other hand to input data, computer need microphone, webcam, keyboard and mouse...

LOOL.. this discussion is useless

A computer is a machine that manipulates data according to a list of instructions. A functional unit that can perform substantial computations, including numerous arithmetic operations and logic operations without human intervention during a run. In information processing, the term computer usually describes a digital computer. A computer may consist of a stand-alone unit or may consist of several interconnected units.

Way back in the day a computer was a man who sat for hours with a slide rule working out logarithmic and other mathematical tables, most often to be used for navigation at sea.

That is why machines such as Colossus and Eniac were called 'electronic computers' originally, in order to differentiate them from their flesh and blood namesakes. Nowadays we do not need people to go through the drudgery of working such things out, so there is no confusion about the word.