
Computer | Definition, History, Operating Systems, & Facts
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 …
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 …
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.
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.
Computer - Output Devices | Britannica
Dec 10, 2025 · Computer - Output Devices: Printers are a common example of output devices. New multifunction peripherals that integrate printing, scanning, and copying into a single …
Computer - Home Use, Microprocessors, Software | Britannica
Dec 22, 2025 · Computer - Home Use, Microprocessors, Software: Before 1970, computers were big machines requiring thousands of separate transistors. They were operated by specialized …
Computer science | Definition, Types, & Facts | Britannica
Jan 7, 2026 · Computer science is the study of computers and computing, including their theoretical and algorithmic foundations, hardware and software, and their uses for processing …
Computer science - Architecture, Organization, Algorithms
Jan 7, 2026 · Computer science - Architecture, Organization, Algorithms: Computer architecture deals with the design of computers, data storage devices, and networking components that …
Computer - Miniaturization, Transistors, Chips | Britannica
Dec 22, 2025 · Computer chips themselves are designed with CAD programs that let an engineer write a specification for part of a chip, simulate its behavior in detail, test it thoroughly, and …
Computer - Supercomputing, Processing, Speed | Britannica
Dec 22, 2025 · The physical elements of a computer, its hardware, are generally divided into the central processing unit (CPU), main memory (or random-access memory, RAM), and peripherals.