A computer is an electronic device that manipulates information, or data. It has the ability to store, retrieve, and process data. You may already know that you can use a computer to type documents, send email, play games, and browse the Web. You can also use it to edit or create spreadsheets, presentations, and even videos.

Computers consist of hardware and software.

• Hardware is any physical part of the computer you can touch, such as the keyboard, mouse, monitor, and internal components like the motherboard and hard drive.
• Software is the set of instructions, or programs, that tells the hardware what to do. Examples of software include web browsers, games, and word processors.

Computers have evolved significantly over time, from large, room-sized machines to the small, portable devices we use today.

For more information, you can check out these resources:

• What is a Computer? - A basic introduction to computers from GCFLearnFree.org.
• Computer Definition - Merriam-Webster's definition of a computer.