A computer is an electronic device that can systematically follow instructions called programs to perform arithmetic and logical operations on data. Computers process data to provide information across many fields including manufacturing, business, engineering, and medicine. They offer advantages like accuracy, speed, ability to handle complex tasks, and data storage. However, computers are also expensive to buy and maintain, can create unemployment, and have some health risks. The basic functions of a computer are input, processing, output, filing, sorting, and control. There are different types of computers including supercomputers, mainframes, mini/midrange computers, and microcomputers.