The document provides an introduction to computers including definitions, basic operations, applications, characteristics, and evolution. It defines a computer as an electronic device that accepts data as input, processes it, and provides output. The basic operations of a computer are input, processing, output, storage, and control. Computers have characteristics like speed, accuracy, diligence, versatility, and storage capacity. Early computing devices included the abacus, Napier's bones, and Pascal's calculator. Major developments were Babbage's analytical engine, the first electronic computers like ENIAC and UNIVAC, and the first microprocessor. Computers can be classified based on size and capabilities as microcomputers, minicomputers, mainframes,