SPIRE COMPUTER POINT So what are computers anyway? In simple terms a computer is a machine that performs tasks and calculations based off a set of instructions, or program operations. Electronic computers were introduced in the 1940s and they were huge machines that actually required a team of individuals to operate. In contrast to early computer systems, today's computers are vastly smaller and amazingly powerful. Not only are they thousands of times faster but they are small enough to fit on your desk, on your lap, or even in a pocket.