Abstract

Computers are an integral part of modern chemistry. As computers have become faster, less expensive, and more functional, chemists have come to rely more and more on their use. These trends are expected to continue. This article provides brief overviews of the principal classes of computers commonly used in chemistry today, together with some of the roles they play. Within each class, there is discussion of the historical significance and changing role of the computer for chemistry. Emphasis is on computers that find application in computational chemistry and other numerically intensive areas. Given the rapidly accelerating rates of change in computer technology, it is expected that this article will provide mostly a historical perspective soon after its publication.