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A calculator requires that a human tell it each operation step by step as the problem is being solved, every time a problem is being solved.
A computer performs the steps needed to solve the problem automatically without human supervision, once those steps had been specified (i.e. computer program) by humans.
Wiki User
∙ 7y ago
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoBecause the computer can do more than just calculating. The computer does sometimes depend on calculations to perform basic tasks. But a "computer" is a device that can be programmed to perform a series of calculations to obtain a specific result.
In a sense all calculators are "computers" that allow you to supply input, press a function button and obtain an output. Most people refer to "computers" as machines that take input and provide the calculated output automatically.
Wiki User
∙ 8y agoThe term "compute" has been around a long time, meaning to "devise an answer to a problem by evaluating data, following a prescribed series of steps, and arriving at a logical, provably correct answer."
The term "computer" originated before electronic computers ever existed. The name was given to people who would be given very difficult mathematical equations to "compute" the answers to. When machines took over the job the name "computer" stuck. When "computer" referred to a person, that person typically used one or more manual calculating devices to perform the calculations for the equations on (e.g. mechanical calculator, slide rule, printed lookup tables, abacus).
Wiki User
∙ 7y agoBecause it "calculates" and/or assists a person in doing "calculations".
When humans were the only computers (before WW2 "computer" was a job title for a person, not a type of machine) these human computers used mechanical calculators and/or slide rules to perform the calculations needed for the computation they were working on.
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Why is it computer called computer not calculator?
It is known as computer rather than a calculator as the calculator performs functions with numbers whereas; a computer performs functions with not only numbers but encoding of computer language.
When did the computer was first made?
That was a computer called ENIAC,but first machine was a calculator.
Can i get a calculator?
If you have a computer, you already have the calculator that is part of the computer's program.
What is a magnetic drum calculator?
The magnetic drum calculator was the first general purpose computer developed in 1953. It is also called The IBM 650.
Is there a adding machin on your computer?
yes you mean calculator. yes a calculator is there in the computer.
When you are doing computer vs calculator what can only the calculator do?
There pretty much the same thing, a calculator is a computer and a computer calculates things so i cant really answer that question.
What computer can do?
A computer is actually an improved calculator.
why a calculator is a computer?
it is part of a computer program
Is a calculator a type of computer?
No although most computers have a calculator on them.
What is the difference in using a calculator and a computer when trying to calculate something?
There is no difference, seeing as a computer was originally a form of calculator and there is a calculator tool on most computers.
Compare computer and calculator?
The only thing alike between a computer and a calculator is that you can use both to complete math problems. A computer is much more advanced in technology and you can do many things on a computer that you cannot do on a calculator.
How do you find if a number is divisible by 7?
Get out calculator and divide the number by seven. If you can use a computer, use the calculator on your computer.
