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  1. Computer | Definition, History, Operating Systems, & Facts

    Jun 16, 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 …

  2. Computer - Technology, Invention, History | Britannica

    Jun 16, 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 …

  3. Computer - History, Technology, Innovation | Britannica

    Jun 16, 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 …

  4. 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. …

  5. 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).

  6. Personal computer (PC) | Definition, History, & Facts | Britannica

    Jun 26, 2025 · personal computer (PC), a digital computer designed for use by only one person at a time.

  7. Computer science | Definition, Types, & Facts | Britannica

    5 days ago · Computer science is the study of computers and computing, including their theoretical and algorithmic foundations, hardware and software, and their uses for processing …

  8. Computer - Home Use, Microprocessors, Software | Britannica

    Jun 16, 2025 · Computer - Home Use, Microprocessors, Software: Before 1970, computers were big machines requiring thousands of separate transistors. They were operated by specialized …

  9. Mainframe | Definition & Facts | Britannica

    Mainframe, digital computer designed for high-speed data processing with heavy use of input/output units such as large-capacity disks and printers. Mainframes have been used for …

  10. Computer - Memory, Storage, Processing | Britannica

    Jun 16, 2025 · Computer - Memory, Storage, Processing: The earliest forms of computer main memory were mercury delay lines, which were tubes of mercury that stored data as ultrasonic …