The number of personal computers used around the world has been estimated at more than 820 million units; that figure is expected to reach one billion by 2007.

The Computer Industry Almanac Institute said Sunday South Korea ranked seventh worldwide in terms of PC ownership.

The U.S.-based on-line market researcher said South Koreans owned 26.2 million personal computers in 2004, out of more than 820 million operating around the world.

The latest findings showed the United States to be in the lead with 224 million computers, followed by Japan, China, Germany, Britain and France.