A computer is a machine that can be programmed to automatically carry out sequences of arithmetic or logical operations (computation). Modern digital electronic computers can perform generic sets of operations known as programs. These programs enable computers to perform a wide range of tasks. The term computer system may refer to a nominally complete computer that includes the hardware, operating system, software, and peripheral equipment needed and used for full operation; or to a group of computers that are linked and function together, such as a computer network or computer cluster.

संगणक विज्ञान ही एक इलेक्ट्राॅनिक शाखा आहे. गुंतागुंतीच्या विश्लेषणांचा अभ्यास हे ह्या शाखेचे वैशिष्ट्य आहे. शिवाय नवीननवीन तर्कशुद्ध रिती (algorithms) शोधून काढणे हे ह्या शाखेचे दुसरे एक वैशिष्ट्य आहे. आजकाल विदा (डेटाबेसेस), क्रिप्टोग्राफी (Cryptograpy), जाल (नेट्वर्किंग), प्रतिमा विश्लेषण इत्यादी क्षेत्रात बरेच संगणकशास्त्रज्ञ काम करत असतात.