Open main menu Search Computer Article Talk Language Watch Edit For other uses, see Computer (disambiguation) . A computer is a digital electronic machine that can be programmed to carry out sequences of arithmetic or logical operations ( computation ) automatically. Modern computers can perform generic sets of operations known as programs . These programs enable computers to perform a wide range of tasks. A computer system is a "complete" computer that includes the hardware , operating system (main software ), and peripheral equipment needed and used for "full" operation. This term may also refer to a group of computers that are linked and function together, such as a computer network or computer cluster . Computers and computing devices from different eras – clockwise from top left: Early vacuum tube computer ( ENIAC ) Ma...