
Computer | Definition, History, Operating Systems, & Facts | Britannica
Dec 22, 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
Dec 22, 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 - History, Technology, Innovation | Britannica
Dec 22, 2025 · 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 …
Computer - Technology, Invention, History | Britannica
Dec 22, 2025 · 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 …
Personal computer (PC) | Definition, History, & Facts | Britannica
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’s …
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 …
Computer science | Definition, Types, & Facts | Britannica
Jan 23, 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 - Kids | Britannica Kids | Homework Help
A computer is a device for working with information. The information can be numbers, words, pictures, movies, or sounds. Computer information is also called data. Computers…
Computer program | Definition & Facts | Britannica
Computer program, detailed plan or procedure for solving a problem with a computer; specifically, an unambiguous, ordered sequence of computational instructions necessary to achieve such a solution. …
Computer - Networking, Digitalization, Automation | Britannica
Dec 22, 2025 · Computer - Networking, Digitalization, Automation: The Internet grew out of funding by the U.S. Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA), later renamed the Defense Advanced …