> Was the modified ENIAC less of a computer than the Manchester Baby because its program was in ROM and could not be changed by the computer?<p>To me, the most remarkable property of a computer is that data and code are interchangeable. This makes it possible for the same computer to run different programs, run programs that transform programs, and so forth. It's the same fundamental concept that today means that one can "download" an app and then run it.<p>(See also: Lisp, which is equally remarkable in the software space for the same reason)<p>> Look at it this way: many modern microprocessors, especially small ones for embedded control, have their programs in ROM. If they are modern-style computers, then so was the modified ENIAC.<p>What makes them modern-style computers, though, is that they are capable of having their firmware flashed - or at least the development versions can do this while their software is engineered. If the final product only runs a ROM, it has lost the essence of a general purpose computer, which is the fundamental and very remarkable invention that is what we actually celebrate.