The Computer reference article from the Simple Wikipedia on 01-May-2004 (provided by Fixed Reference: snapshots of Wikipedia from wikipedia.org)

Computer

A computer is a machine to remember and calculate knowledge stored in symbols. It usually has a monitor to show results, but some computers speak - like the ones used in voice mail.

A computer is useless without a boot device, which contains its operating system, and data. Some also think they are of quite limited use without Internet connections, which allow them to send and receive data globally.

A computer is an electronic device. It almost always contains toxic waste, sometimes called e-waste. When a new computer is purchased in some places, the cost of its waste management must also be paid for - this is called product stewardship, and it is not only applied to computers, but also to paint and automobiles and other products that contain toxic products.

In some countries old computers are melted down to get gold and other metal from them. This is dangerous, because the toxic waste is released into water and soil.

Computers become obsolete quickly. Very often they are given away and new ones replace them within two or three years. This makes the problems worse. Computer recycling is thus common. Many projects try to send working computers to developing nations so they will not become waste too fast.

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