Classical computers use bits to represent a one (on state) or zero (off state), while quantum computers use qubits that can represent multiple states through superposition and links with other qubits through entanglement.
Even describing the concept of quantum computing is not easy. Classical computers use bits to represent a one (on state) or zero (off state), while quantum computers use qubits that can represent multiple states through superposition and links with other qubits through entanglement. The result is a computer that scales exponentially in terms of compute capacity. While this makes quantum computers ideally suited for large mathematical models, they are not suited for handling the simple overhead tasks associated with computing. As a result, quantum computing is better positioned as a new accelerator technology, similar to a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), Digital Signal Processor (DSP), or Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), but on a much larger scale in terms of computing performance. However, quantum computers require specialized control logic and memory because of the unique compute architecture on which quantum computing is based. Large refrigeration units are also required because they operate at near absolute zero, meaning zero degrees Kelvin or -273.15 degrees Celsius.