What is a Computer?

So what about computers? You probably already have a good idea of what they are and what they can do.

A computer is a kind of machine, and what it does can be described in two simple steps:

A computer is a machine that stores pieces of information

(which we call data).

A computer also moves, arranges, and controls that information.

A program is a detailed set of instructions that tells a computer what to do with pieces of information, or data.

Computers come in a lot of different forms. You might have a laptop, or a PC. But did you know that your phone might also be a computer? Or maybe you have a game console - that's a computer too.