Definition of a Computer

[Jerome H. Fine]

Roger Merchberger wrote:

> >Rumor has it that Tony Duell may have mentioned these words:
>
>> OK (and this came up in some private e-mail when discussing the major
>> off-topic threads here). What is a computer? Becasue I certainly 
>> don't have an exact definition.
>
> I always heard it defined (and seemed the most logical/sensible to me) as:
> "A computer is a device which can perform arithmetic _and_ logical 
> functions without the aid of a human."
> Several of my earlier computing textbooks put it in this manner, 
> explained why it was so (see below) and it's always worked for me.

Jerome Fine replies:

I was told the following definition of a computer
about 45 years ago:

SPEEDY  MORON!

I find that it still fits (GRIN)!!  In fact, until
successful AI is developed, it will continue to fit -
with the emphasis being more on the SPEEDY as opposed
to the MORON.

Sincerely yours,

Jerome Fine
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