A computer is a device that can be instructed to carry out an arbitrary set of

arithmetic or logical operations automatically. The ability of computers to follow

generalized sequences of operations, called programs, enable them to perform a wide
range of tasks.

Such computers are used as control systems for a very wide variety of industrial and
consumer devices. This includes simple special purpose devices like microwave ovens
and remote controls, factory devices such as industrial robots and computer assisted
design, but also in general purpose devices like personal computers and mobile
devices such as smartphones. The Internet is run on computers and it connects

millions of other computers.

Since ancient times, simple manual devices like the abacus aided people in doing
calculations. Early in the Industrial Revolution, some mechanical devices were built
to automate long tedious tasks, such as guiding patterns for looms. More
sophisticated electrical machines did specialized analog calculations in the early 20th
century. The first digital electronic calculating machines were developed during
World War II. The speed, power, and versatility of computers has increased
continuously and dramatically since then.

Computer science grew out of the the mathematics and electrical engineering
disciplines. It involves the design and development of all types of software from
operating systems and phone apps to interactive games and other forms of interactive
technology. While the outcome may be something interactive and fun, a CS major
must have a strong background in mathematics and creative problem solving.
Basically, CS majors study what makes computers work and how they process data.
Below are just a few of the many topics a CS major can expect to study:
Computer Graphics
Computer Programming
Database Organization
Data Mining
Data Structures and Algorithms
Mobile Software Development
Systems Programming
Theory of Computation
The computer science major focuses heavily on the study of programming (such as
Java or C++), data structures, and operating systems. As a result, many CS graduates
pursue careers in programming and software development. Other job titles may
include:

Computer Hardware Engineer

Computer Support Specialist
Computer Systems Analyst
Computer and Information Research Scientist
Data Administrator