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  1. 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 …

  2. 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.

  3. 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, …

  4. computer summary | Britannica

    Database, any collection of data, or information, that is specially organized for rapid search and retrieval by a computer. Databases are structured to facilitate the storage, retrieval, modification, and deletion …

  5. Computer - Memory, Storage, Processing | Britannica

    Dec 22, 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 waves, and …

  6. 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.

  7. Computer - History, Technology, Innovation | Britannica

    Dec 22, 2025 · It is not too great a stretch to say that, in the Jacquard loom, programming was invented before the computer. The close relationship between the device and the program became apparent …

  8. 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 …

  9. Artificial Intelligence | Pros, Cons, Debate, Arguments, Computer ...

    Nov 19, 2025 · He would go on to create the computer programming language LISP (which is still used in AI), host computer chess games against human Russian opponents, and develop the first …

  10. John Mauchly | Biography, Computer, & Facts | Britannica

    Jan 4, 2026 · John Mauchly (born August 30, 1907, Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.—died January 8, 1980, Ambler, Pennsylvania) was an American physicist and engineer, co-inventor in 1946, with John P. …