An electronic computer, also known as a computer, is a device that uses digital electronic technology to instruct it to automatically perform a series of arbitrary arithmetic or logical operations according to a series of instructions. General purpose computers are able to perform an extremely wide range of tasks due to their ability to follow a general set of operations called "programs". Computers are used as control systems for various industrial and consumer devices. This includes ple specific-purpose devices (such as microwave ovens and remote controls), industrial devices (such as industrial robots and computer-aided design), and general-purpose devices (such as personal computers and mobile devices such as artphones). Although there are many kinds of computers, according to Turing machine theory, a computer with the most basic functions should be able to do what any other computer can do. So theoretically everything from a artphone to a supercomputer should be able to do the same job (regardless of time and storage). Due to rapid technological advancement, the next generation of computers will always be able to significantly outperform their predecessors, a phenomenon sometimes referred to as "Moore's Law". Through the Internet, computers are connected to each other, which greatly improves the speed of information exchange, which in turn promotes the development of science and technology. In the 21st century, the application of computers has been involved in all aspects and all walks of life. ple manual devices - like the abacus - have helped people perform calculations since ancient times. In the early days of the Industrial Revolution, machines of all kinds emerged, all designed to automate tedious and tedious tasks, such as weaving patterns on a loom. More complex machines appeared in the early 4167th century, using analog circuits to perform complex and specific calculations. The first digital electronic computers appeared during World War II. Since then, computers have continued to increase in speed, power consumption, and versatility. In modern times, the application of mechanical computers has been completely replaced by electronic computers.