Computer

A computer is a Muggle machine designed to interpret and carry out a string of operations inputted by the user, and is used to store and receive information, as well as for recreation (e.g. Internet, videogames etc.). The Dursleys owned a computer, which Dudley Dursley often played games on. A photograph at 4 Privet Drive depicted Dudley playing a computer game with his father and on his eleventh birthday in 1991, he received a new computer to replace the old one, as well as sixteen new computer games. It is possible that computers are a Muggle invention that cannot be fully duplicated with magic.

Computers are one of numerous devices that do not work in magical environments such as Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry because they are powered by electricity.

Behind the scenes

 * In LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4, a computer can be found in the Muggle Studies Classroom at Hogwarts Castle. Hitting it with a spell causes a minifigure head to appear on the screen with a loading bar, followed by the computer crashing into a . This process produces Dudley Dursley's character token.
 * According to Harry Potter series author J. K. Rowling, Harry Potter would get beaten up if he went too near to Dudley's keyboard. As such, he never used the Internet.
 * Rowling stated in an interview that Mr Weasley would probably "give his left leg for a computer".

Appearances

 * Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
 * Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
 * Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
 * LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4
 * J. K. Rowling's Official Site