A computer is a machine that can be programmed to automatically carry out sequences of arithmetic or logical operations. Modern digital computers can execute generic sets of operations known as programs, allowing them to perform an enormous range of tasks. The term covers everything from embedded microcontrollers to desktop workstations to large datacenter servers.
In everyday usage, “computer” typically refers to a general-purpose device with a processor, memory, storage, and an [operating system](A10-Glossary/Operating system.md). More specialized hardware — like the microcontrollers on IoT sensor boards — is also a computer in the strict sense, though it is usually called an MCU or microcontroller rather than a computer.
In This Home
The primary computers in the home environment are the Raspberry Pi servers in the lab and the Mac workstation used for management and development. See also Host and Server.