Computatur

Computatur is a term used in speculative technology discussions and some science fiction to describe a class of computing systems defined by universality and programmability. The word derives from the Latin computare, meaning to calculate, and is used as a neutral label for devices capable of performing any computable function given an appropriate program.

In mainstream computer science, computatur is not an established term; its use appears in speculative writings, thought experiments, and certain discussions about universal computation in nonstandard architectures. A computatur refers to a physical or abstract device that executes a stored set of instructions to manipulate data, paralleling a general-purpose computer or a Turing machine, but with an emphasis on theoretical computability and architectural flexibility rather than specific hardware.

Design and architecture typically envisioned for a computatur include a processing unit, memory, and input/output interfaces. It may be digital, analog, or hybrid, and can implement a broad or specialized instruction set. Key properties include programmability, the ability to simulate other computable devices, and adherence to a defined model of computation, such as a stored-program architecture or a formal machine model.

The term remains informal and context-dependent. Where used, computatur serves to discuss universal computation and architectural considerations without tying analysis to a particular technology. Related concepts include computer, Turing machine, universal machine, and calculator.