This paper is intended to be a beginners introduction to the field of quantum computing. It is a very new field, and as a result there seems to be little good information for the true beginner. A short while ago I knew virtually nothing about quantum computing, as part of a project at the University of Illinois under the supervision of Dr. Roy Cambpell I was free to pursue the topic. I have attempted to put down what I learned in a concise and understandable manner. This paper will hopefully serve as an introduction to the rudiments of quantum computing and the specifics of Shor's algorithm for factoring large numbers.
To get the most out of this paper you should be interested in computer science, or physics, or both. Additionally you should be familiar with the following topics:
One of the most perplexing parts of quantum computing for the unfamiliar can be the nomenclature. If you find yourself unsure of a term, check the glossary, it may be in there.