
Computer | Definition, History, Operating Systems, & Facts | Britannica
Dec 10, 2025 · A computer is a programmable device for processing, storing, and displaying information. Learn more in this article about modern digital electronic computers and their design, constituent …
What is a computer? | Britannica
Oct 20, 2025 · A computer is a machine that can store and process information. Most computers rely on a binary system, which uses two variables, 0 and 1, to complete tasks such as storing data, …
Computer - Technology, Invention, History | Britannica
6 days ago · Computer - Technology, Invention, History: By the second decade of the 19th century, a number of ideas necessary for the invention of the computer were in the air.
Computer - History, Technology, Innovation | Britannica
6 days ago · It is not too great a stretch to say that, in the Jacquard loom, programming was invented before the computer. The close relationship between the device and the program became apparent …
Computer science | Definition, Types, & Facts | Britannica
Dec 2, 2025 · Computer science is the study of computers and computing, including their theoretical and algorithmic foundations, hardware and software, and their uses for processing information.
computer summary | Britannica
Database, any collection of data, or information, that is specially organized for rapid search and retrieval by a computer. Databases are structured to facilitate the storage, retrieval, modification, and deletion …
Personal computer (PC) | Definition, History, & Facts | Britannica
Nov 27, 2025 · personal computer (PC), a digital computer designed for use by only one person at a time.
Quantum computer | Description & Facts | Britannica
Dec 6, 2025 · Quantum computer, device that employs properties described by quantum mechanics to enhance computations. Plans for building quantum computers have been proposed; although several …
Computer memory | Types, Capacity & Speed | Britannica
Oct 31, 2025 · Computer memory is divided into main (or primary) memory and auxiliary (or secondary) memory. Main memory holds instructions and data when a program is executing, while auxiliary …
Computer science - Architecture, Organization, Algorithms | Britannica
Dec 2, 2025 · Computer science - Architecture, Organization, Algorithms: Computer architecture deals with the design of computers, data storage devices, and networking components that store and run …