The literal meaning of wizardry is exactly that of your first definition: the name for the practice of wizards. Yet when applied in a metaphorical or illustrative way, the term 'wizardry', by itself, has no negative connotation. For that matter, as we're no longer given to the practice of setting fire to people, nor does 'sorcery'.
In fact both can be used to convey, quite neatly and playfully, a kind of baffled awe. For example, an article from The Economist remarked that 'MARIO DRAGHI seems more sorcerer than central banker', using the theme of magic and sorcery to illustrate the effect of his pronouncement of the Outright Monetary Transactions initiative, with such allusions as 'Who would bet against a central bank that can conjure money from thin air?' and 'Mr Draghi’s magic is powerful, but it won’t work without help from the politicians'. 'The ECB's bond-buying plan: casting a spell', The Economist.
In the article, the author describes how the yields on bonds issued by enfeebled Euro-zone economies tumbled after Mario Draghi, the head of the European Central Bank, literally stated that he would do 'whatever it takes' to save the Euro. Yet he didn't need to actually do anything beyond announce the fact: as if by magic, the panic of investors abated at the spell of his reassurances.
A Google search for your example of 'computer wizardry' reveals a number of companies who use the phrase 'wizardry' in either their names or tag-lines. I only checked the first page of results, but not one of those firms admitted to resorting to witchcraft and sacrifice in order to get great results.
A further anecdotal example would be when, late last year, some delivery men were able to fit my new and large sofa through a my old and small door, showing outright contempt for the laws of physics in doing so. I remarked that they were 'wizards' or 'magicians' (I don't remember 'witch' of the two (HA!)) and said I'd like to buy them each a pint. Rather than initiating slander charges, they accepted the tip I offered them in lieu of an actual beer and went merrily on their way.
'Wizardry' is a fun and descriptive word, and is a wonderful compliment to pay to somebody. If you were actually able to find somebody who took offence to its connections to witchcraft, I would advise you that this is a dangerous person and is not your friend.
- No. See below.
- Yes, usually.
While all terms refer to absolute authority, and in this day where democracy is widely accepted all have negative connotations, these functions have a long history and started out being perfectly respectable.
Dictator originated as a Roman function of absolute authority for a short period in times of war. It simply means "one who gives orders". Sulla was one of the first persons to abuse these powers.
Tyrant originates from Greek tradition and refers to anyone, good or bad, who obtains executive power in a polis by unconventional means. Athens gave the title of tyrant to Peisistratus in 546 BC and prospered.
In its classical form, despotism is a state in which a single individual (the despot) holds all the power and authority embodying the state, and everyone else is a subsidiary person. It was a common form of early statehood and civilization, a well-known example is the Pharaoh of Egypt.
Fear of abuse made the principle of absolute rule controversial from ancient times onwards.
Enlightened absolutism (also known as benevolent despotism), came to prominence in 18th century Europe where absolute monarchs used their authority to institute a number of reforms in the political systems and societies of their countries.
This movement was quite probably triggered by the ideas of the Age of Enlightenment. But it never really took hold in a world on the way to more representative forms of government.
These days absolute rule irrevocably holds a negative meaning. In actual fact someone like Niccolò Machiavelli would rejoice.
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrant
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dictator
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Despotism
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niccolò_Machiavelli
Best Answer
Most definitions in dictionaries carry negative connotations. The fact that you have to add "benevolent" implies that it is not by definition. Benevolent dictator is actually an oxymoron.
Dictator:
(OLD)
Dictator
(vocabulary.com)