Computation

used to be the same thing as calculation, but has developed into a rich new field. Originally computers were designed to break down complicated and repetitive mathematical problems and solve them quickly. It eventually became clear that computers had another mission: they could compare, sort, and store information at a speed far beyond our old-style filing systems. Recently databases have entered the home-office price range, and are replacing thousands of old-style file folders with electronic storage and in-boxes. Disks and hard drives have replaced paper and cabinets and secretaries are moving into cyberspace.