This is mysticism. The purpose of the computer, like the purpose of a hammer, a loaf of bread, or a condom is determined by the user in any given instance. A machine has no intrinsic purpose. A locomotive parked in a terminal can be used to provide shade for a loafer on a hot day. That is as "intrinsic" to the locomotive as is the pulling of a freight car. The purpose of the computer before which I sit at this particular moment is to poke fun at Richard Hamming.
Carrol