
Computer | Definition, History, Operating Systems, & Facts
Aug 25, 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 …
What is a computer? - Britannica
Aug 25, 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 …
Computer - Technology, Invention, History | Britannica
Aug 25, 2025 · 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 benefits to science and industry of …
Computer - History, Technology, Innovation | Britannica
Aug 25, 2025 · The history of the solving of these problems is the history of the computer. That history is covered in this section, and links are provided to entries on many of the individuals …
Computer science | Definition, Types, & Facts | Britannica
Aug 15, 2025 · Computer science is the study of computers and computing, including their theoretical and algorithmic foundations, hardware and software, and their uses for processing …
computer - Kids | Britannica Kids | Homework Help
Computer software is divided into two basic types—the operating system and application software. The operating system controls how the different parts of hardware work together. …
Personal computer (PC) | Definition, History, & Facts | Britannica
Jul 27, 2025 · personal computer (PC), a digital computer designed for use by only one person at a time.
Computer - Home Use, Microprocessors, Software | Britannica
Aug 25, 2025 · Computer - Home Use, Microprocessors, Software: Before 1970, computers were big machines requiring thousands of separate transistors. They were operated by specialized …
computer summary | Britannica
A computer consists of the central processing unit (CPU), main memory (or random-access memory, RAM), and peripherals (e.g., a keyboard, a printer, disc drives).
Computer program | Definition & Facts | Britannica
Jul 11, 2025 · The first digital computer designed with internal programming capacity was the “Baby,” constructed at Manchester in 1948. A program is prepared by first formulating a task …