1926-

American computer scientist who invented magnetic core memory and founded Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC), which invented the minicomputer. Magnetic core memory formed the basis for early computers, although it is not commonly used in more recent machines. However, at the time, it was fundamental to the construction of computers and was a major advance in data storage. In addition, DEC's development of the minicomputer helped bring computing power to smaller businesses and academic researchers, starting a trend that culminated with the personal computer.