Computer

Computer

At the heart of modern computers are microprocessors. Microprocessors, mostly referred to as computer chips, are very small electrical devices capable of processing or storing information in the form of electromagnetic charges.

The versatility of computer chips makes the definition of "computer" most difficult. In many cases, a number of machines that are not thought of as computers contain microprocessors.

Florida's definition, the first enacted into law, is quite simple: "Computer means an internally programmed, automatic device that performs data processing."FN25

In contrast, California does not directly define computer, but defines computer system in a more complex way: "Computer system means a device or collection of devices, including support devices and excluding calculators that are not programmable and capable of being used in conjunction with external files, one or more of which contain computer programs, electronic instructions, input data, and output data, that performs functions including, but not limited to, logic, arithmetic, data storage and retrieval, communication, and control."FN26

The complexity of modern computer systems makes defining them difficult, both from technical and from policy perspectives. California's definition of computer systems, seems narrower than that of Florida. Florida defines "computer system" as a set of related, connected or unconnected, computer equipment, devices, or computer software."FN27

California's definition of "computer system" is limited to programs contained within the computers in the system, whereas Florida's definition includes all procedures and associated documentation concerned with the operation of a computer system.FN28