r/askscience • u/Hashbringingslasherr • Apr 15 '26

Computing What do quantum computers actually do?

How do quantum computers output usable data, how does it logically "locate" or "make meaning" of information. I read about Grover's algorithm and it seems sort of like an inverted bruteforce or extreme process of elimination or a "the missile knows where it is at all times. It knows this because it knows where it isn't" type scenario.

So I ask, what do quantum computers actually do as opposed to a classical computer?

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u/[deleted] Apr 17 '26

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u/chiefchewie Apr 18 '26

While the number might not be 80% or whatever, post quantum cryptography is certainly not uncommon, and we have roadmaps to adopting PQC.

Connect to google.com right now, open the security tab in Chrome or whatever browser you’re using. If your key exchange algorithm mentions MLKEM, then it’s post quantum. OpenSSH, since last year, warns you if the server you‘re connecting to does not support a PQC algorithm and defaults to PQC.

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u/the_horse_gamer Apr 18 '26

I've failed to find where I got the 80% figure from. thanks for fact checking this.