While researchers have a fairly clear idea how a computer functions, they do not know how the brain works. Until researchers have a much better idea how life forms think, whether a computer can ever be programmed to think like a human is an open question. Computers are much better at arithmetic operations than humans but much worse at pattern recognition. A new type of computer, a neural network, functions in a manner much closer to a human brain than von Neumann digital computers. Neural networks show great promise in pattern recognition. Future computers may combine neural networks with digital computers to take advantage of the strengths of both. Currently, a computer can be programmed to play chess at the grand master level and can beat the world winner at backgammon. To what extent software running in computers can demonstrate creativity is an open question. Nevertheless, in spite of their limitations software and hardware have had a major social impact and will have an even greater one in the future.