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I must clarify that despite many people could offer definitions whenever being asked for, there are misconceptions about the true meaning of the concept.
MY PERSONAL VIEW: Don't always take it the way it was given to you; sometimes try to redefine anything that comes to you in life from your own perspective after seeking for many sources (in series of research). Note that GRAMMAR could be tricky & deceiving.
Going by what computer is, the definition is OK but there is need for further breakdown (synthesis) in order to understand the concept.
You can make RESEARCH about the following important keywords from various sources (dictionary, personal definitions, internet,...) :
• Electronic devices/machine
• Data
• Information
The definition contains it [computer] functions (accepting, processing, storing and giving out)
This same definition was later broadened in my final year as an undergraduate as it was defined that computer is an electronic machine that accept data (through the input devices), store data (through the storage devices), process data (through the CPU) and gives data out as information (through the output devices). The more detailed definition captures the fundamental operations and components of a computer system. This broader definition of our first definition which doesn't only reveal the functions but goes further by stating what it uses to perform the functions.
According to [Wiktionary, English 2.4; definition b], computer is a programmable electronic device that performs mathematical calculations and logical operations, especially one that can process, store and retrieve large amounts of data very quickly; now especially, a small one for personal or home use employed for manipulating text or graphics, accessing the Internet, or playing games or media. [from 20th c.]
In another definition, a computer is defined as electronic device that can receive, store, process, and output data. It is capable of performing various operations and executing instructions to perform tasks. Computers can be programmed to perform specific functions and are used for a wide range of purposes, such as data processing, communication, calculations, and entertainment. They consist of hardware components, such as a central processing unit (CPU), memory, storage devices, and input/output devices, as well as software programs that enable them to perform specific tasks.
Asides the functions (fundamental operations) and devices (components of a computer system) as captured in most definitions, the definitions also emphasise two (2) important terms which are data and information.
1. Data: Data is raw facts and figures or symbols that are collected, processed, and stored in a computer. Data can be represented in the form of numbers, words, images, or any other representation. It represents the input or output of a computer system, which may have little meaning or context on its own. It is the collection of raw fact and figures usually collected through the input devices from multiple/various sources, sometimes meaningless or less meaningful than complete information. Specific data are used for performing certain operation which enables the computer system to make decisions. Though some unprocessed data may be stored in the memory of the computer or rather displayed or given out as output, the meaning of such data might be vague. When the data is processed by the CPU - the brain of the computer, it resulted into information.
2. Information: Information is processed and organized data that has been given context, meaning, and relevance. It results from the processing and interpretation of data, transforming it into a meaningful and useful form for human understanding or decision-making. For example, a list of names and addresses is data, but a phone directory is information because it organizes the data in a way that is useful for finding phone numbers. The purpose of a computer is to convert data into meaningful information by performing calculations, applying algorithms, and presenting the results in a usable format. [Wiktionary, English 2.4; definition 10, from 20th c.] data, knowledge which is gathered as a result of processing data.
All these definitions, regardless of their source (textbooks, internet, web, videos, images, dictionaries, or individuals), are merely grammar when lacking understanding.
Upon careful examination of these definitions, it can be inferred that what we commonly refer to as a computer is not limited to a specific device, but rather anything that is "termified" or represented in any of the definitions.
Based on observations made in our environment and comparisons with our definitions, one could argue that everything electronic is a computer, and everything electronic can be considered a computer. For instance, calculators, photocopy machines, ATMs and their cards, SIM cards, TV sets, radio sets, cameras, cars, and even our simple and sophisticated phones (especially in the era of smartphones) can sometimes outperform what we traditionally think of as a "COMPUTER" (i.e., laptop and desktop computers). All these examples fit perfectly within the definitions.
We could also consider humans and animals as computers according to the definitions, except for the fact that they are not electronic devices. This is due to the similarities in their functions as described in the definitions.
ILLUSTRATION: As students, we are taught by our teachers, and we acquire knowledge from them (ACCEPTING DATA). The information we are taught is meant to be stored in our memory/brain (DATA STORAGE), waiting for the time when that knowledge will be required in life, exams, or tests (DATA GIVEN-OUT, either as raw data or processed into INFORMATION). The questions asked may not be as straightforward as the knowledge was initially provided; they might require critical thinking and reasoning to answer (DATA PROCESSING).
The illustration above imply that human innovations such as computer sourced and found it prototype from human/animal nature studies in line with acceptance, processing, storage and given-out data just as
Airplanes is to birds eg. Eagles
Submarine is to fishes and aquatic lifes
Canoe/ships/boat is to duck
and lot more...
All these are binding by certain principles which bring about new innovations we are having today and those ones to come on the future. Humanity study the nature to bring about new technology.
Ecclesiastes 1:9 - The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.