Computer | Definition, History, Operating Systems, & Facts | Britannica
Mar 20, 2026 · 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, …
Computer - Technology, Invention, History | Britannica
Mar 20, 2026 · 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. First, the potential …
Computer - History, Technology, Innovation | Britannica
Mar 20, 2026 · Computer - History, Technology, Innovation: How did the abacus lead to modern computers? The earliest known calculating device is the abacus, dating back to at least 1100 BCE and …
What is a computer? | Britannica
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, calculating …
Computer science | Definition, Types, & Facts | Britannica
Mar 26, 2026 · Computer science is the study of computers and computing, including their theoretical and algorithmic foundations, hardware and software, and their uses for processing information. The …
computer summary | Britannica
computer, Programmable machine that can store, retrieve, and process data. A computer consists of the central processing unit (CPU), main memory (or random-access memory, RAM), and peripherals (e.g., …
Personal computer (PC) | Definition, History, & Facts | Britannica
Mar 24, 2026 · Personal computer, a digital computer designed for use by only one person at a time. A typical personal computer assemblage consists of a central processing unit, which contains the …
Computer science - Algorithms, Complexity, Programming | Britannica
Mar 26, 2026 · Computer science - Algorithms, Complexity, Programming: An algorithm is a specific procedure for solving a well-defined computational problem. The development and analysis of …
Computer - Supercomputing, Processing, Speed | Britannica
Mar 20, 2026 · Computer - Supercomputing, Processing, Speed: The most powerful computers of the day have typically been called supercomputers. They have historically been very expensive and their …
Computer science - Architecture, Organization, Algorithms | Britannica
Mar 26, 2026 · Computer science - Architecture, Organization, Algorithms: Computer architecture deals with the design of computers, data storage devices, and networking components that store and run …