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A '''computer''' is a machine that is designed to perform [[mathematical]] calculations. Most computers manipulate data in the form of [[binary|binary code]], which consists of 1s and 0s.

A '''computer''' is a machine that is designed to perform [[mathematical]] calculations. Most computers manipulate data in the form of [[binary|binary code]], which consists of 1s and 0s.

[[Image:Babbage.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Charles Babbage's Analytical Engine.]]

[[Image:Babbage.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Charles Babbage's Analytical Engine.]]

The world's first computer was built by [[Charles Babbage]] in 1833, which he called the '''Analytical Engine'''.  It was powered by steam and could perform basic arithmetic calculations with accuracy up to six decimal places.  It also featured a 'bit bucket' in the back that collected discarded and malformed bits resulting from the calculations; this bucket had to be emptied on a weekly basis. Charles Babbage's wife [[Ada Augusta]], whom operated the Analytical Engine, is considered to be the world's first [[computer programmer]].

The world's first computer was built by the [[British]] mathematician [[Charles Babbage]] in 1833, which he called the '''Analytical Engine'''.  It was powered by steam and could perform basic arithmetic calculations with accuracy up to six decimal places.  It also featured a 'bit bucket' in the back that collected discarded and malformed bits resulting from the calculations; this bucket had to be emptied on a weekly basis. Charles Babbage's wife [[Ada Augusta]], whom operated the Analytical Engine, is considered to be the world's first [[computer programmer]].

Prior to the advent of computing machines, the definition for ''computer'' was a human being who performed complex mathematical calculations.

Prior to the advent of computing machines, the definition for ''computer'' was a human being who performed complex mathematical calculations.