Term of the Moment
industrial strength
Definition: computing device
An electronic device controlled by a CPU (central processing unit). A computing device specifically includes desktop and laptop computers, smartphones and tablets. However, a computing device may also refer to household appliances as well as network equipment (modems, switches, etc.), essentially any product with a computer chip that controls its operation. See computer and CPU.
Before Computers, There Was Computing
As early as the 1600s, the term computing was used for people doing hand calculations. Notice the "Computing Division" sign at the upper left of this photo. In this office circa 1930, computing was performed by employees working with calculators.