Which of the following is the appropriate definition of a computer?

AA machine that can process information

BAn electronic device that can store, retrieve and quickly process both quantitative and qualitative data accurately ✓ Correct

CAn electronic device that can store, retrieve and quickly process only quantitative data

DAn electronic device that can store, retrieve and quickly process only qualitative data

Correct answer: (B) An electronic device that can store, retrieve and quickly process both quantitative and qualitative data accurately

Explanation

A computer is best defined as an electronic device that stores, retrieves and quickly processes both quantitative and qualitative data accurately.

Calling it merely a machine that processes information is too vague to be a precise definition.

Limiting it to only quantitative data ignores its ability to handle text, images and other qualitative data.

Limiting it to only qualitative data ignores its core numerical processing.

Accuracy, speed, storage and retrieval together make up the full definition.

Raw data becomes information once the computer processes it into a meaningful form.

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