Computer

Computers were machines made (or grown in some cases) to do tasks involving information processing, storage, and retrieval. Computers could do calculations, break codes and perform almost any logical action.

On Earth, computers were developed in the 20th century. In the 1960s computers like WOTAN were very large. Later computers developed so that, by the early 21st century, a computer could fit in a lap and do much more than computers of the 1960s.

A computer could be linked with other computers to create an information network or Internet. (DW: The War Machines) Computers were "very sophisticated idiots". Theycould do what they were told at incredible speeds, including killing their programmers before the could change their minds. (DW: Robot)

Human ships of the 26th century used computers with keyboard inputs. (DW: Earthshock)

Some computers achieved apparent self-awareness, like the computer Xoanon. (DW: The Face of Evil) The War Machines were computers that could move, having been programed by WOTAN. (DW: The War Machines)

The BOSS was a computer that achieved self awareness by connecting with a human mind. After learning that humans illogic was what made them unique, he ordered Stevens to program these qualities into him. Despite being self aware, he still exhibited many computer-like qualities. The Doctor was able to distract him by asking him a paradoxical question.(DW: The Green Death)

Mr Smith was usually referred to as a computer and performed similar functions, although he was actually a xylok. He could interface with other computers remotely or via the internet.