What is a computer? It is an electronic device that manipulates information or data. It has the ability to store, retrieve and process data, usually in binary form, according to instructions given to it in a variable program. There are two fundamental parts of a computer, the hardware which is the physical structure and the software which is a set of instructions telling the hardware what to do. The uses of computers are now endless. A person can use it to enter documents, send emails, browse the Internet, manage spreadsheets, play games and much more. There are 4 generations of computers. The first generation of computers were massive in size and used vacuum tubes that resemble an incandescent light bulb and manual switches. Among the most important early generations were the Z1 and Z3, the Colossus machines, the Atanasoff-Berry computer (ABC), ENIAC, and UNIVAC. Second-generation computers use transistors, tiny electronic switches that are more powerful, more reliable, and smaller. Third-generation computers developed integrated circuits that contain large numbers of tiny transistors embedded in a semiconductor material called silicon. Fourth generation computers are the integration of the circuit that enabled the development of the microprocessor. The types of computers we use today vary depending on our lifestyle. It is readily available for purchase by the public at most retail outlets. We can find them in different shapes, forms and sizes. It also depends on how much you want to spend on a computer. Some of them include desktops, laptops, tablets and smartphones and much more. It will surely be acc...... middle of paper ......n.org there are 4 things to know before going to buy a computer.1. Find out. You need to be prepared when you go to a store. In each store there will be a computer specialist who can help you determine which computer is best. But keep in mind that they are there to make their sales. Ultimately, you need to know what you really need for your lifestyle. Consider features including memory, hard drive, operating system, and processor.2. Choose wisely where you shop. There are many places that sell computers. Don't be afraid to compare prices. The best deal you can get, the best.3. Understand pricing and advertising. Some ads are just too good to be true. Take a close look at what this computer includes and what doesn't.4. Beware of hidden costs. Small prints can be very tricky. Be very careful with this.