Society has come to rely heavily on computers. Computers affect nearly every aspect of our lives. Although there are disadvantages to using a computer, we believe the advantages greatly outweigh them. Parents, if you’re on the fence about the decision on whether or not to buy your child a computer, perhaps these advantages can help convince you.

Increase your productivity

Computers increase your productivity and, with a good understanding of the software running on them, you become more productive at everything you do. For example, once you have a basic understanding of using a word processor, you can create, store, edit, share, and print documents and letters. Each of these tasks was either impossible or slower with all pre-existing technologies.

Connects you to the Internet

Connecting a computer to the Internet unlocks its full potential. Once connected, your choices and available options, as far as information goes, are almost limitless. Many of the benefits listed on this page pertain to a computer connected to the Internet.

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Can store vast amounts of information and reduce waste

Computers are capable of storing and accessing vast amounts of information. For example, a computer and devices like eBook readers can store hundreds or thousands of books, given enough storage capacity. By storing books, documents, movies, pictures, and songs digitally, you can quickly find what you need by searching and sharing information between devices. It eliminates the need for paper used to make non-digital versions of the media.

Helps sort, organize, and search through information

A computer can use its stored information more efficiently than any other device. In our earlier example, we mentioned the ability to store thousands of books. Once those books are stored on a computer, they can be sorted into categories, alphabetized, and searched to find what you’re looking for in a few seconds. Trying to find the exact text in a thousand books would take a human months, if not years.

More sophisticated AI (artificial intelligence) can also be designed to make even more intelligent decisions. For example, there is computer software designed to help screen for cancers. Computers can scan through millions of possible signs of cancer and give a positive or negative result in less than a few minutes. Scientists are also using computers to help invent new methods of curing diseases with protein sequence pattern matching.

Get a better understanding of data

Computers can also give you a better understanding of data and big data. For example, a business could have a database of items they’ve sold. Using that data, they can quickly identify what sells best at what time of year, when to mark up or down items, and what items are not selling. Having access to this type of information gives the business a better understanding of their customers and a competitive edge against their competitors.

Keeps you connected

Computers help keep you connected with long-distance friends and family over e-mail and social networking. You can also connect with millions of other people who share your same interests through online forums, chat, and VoIP services, like Skype. Connecting to people worldwide is also an excellent way to meet people you would usually never meet.

Another great thing about communication on the Internet is that it’s fast compared to other forms of communication. For example, you could send someone an e-mail on the other side of the planet and have it arrive in less than a few minutes. Snail mail (postal mail) could take days or even weeks to arrive.

Help you learn and keep you informed

One of the most significant impacts computers have on our community is when computers are connected to the Internet. It is an educational tool that helps answer almost any question, teaching you anything that interests you. You can also access worldwide news to keep up-to-date with all of the latest news, weather, and stories around the world. You could learn a new profession by reading websites or watching videos. You could even sign up for online courses that teach you about any subject you’d learn in school.

  • How to learn more about computers.

Can make you money

When connected to the Internet, a computer could help you make money in many different ways. For example, creating and running an online store is cheaper than having a physical store. Also, once online, your store or product has a global audience, and you could sell to anyone in the world.

  • How to make money online.

As far as the economic value of computers, a computer can save a person, company, school, or government a lot of money. For example, the time saved in labor costs alone can save a tremendous amount of money and time. As an early example, in 1890, Herman Hollerith developed a method for machines to record and store information on punch cards for the US census. Hollerith’s machine was approximately ten times faster than manual tabulations and saved the census office millions of dollars. More recent computers could improve these results even further.

In addition to helping you make and save money, a spreadsheet is also an excellent tool for keeping track of your finances and breakdown your spending habits.

Improves your employment options

Knowing how to use a computer and having a computer can improve your employment options and work from home. For example, in the 2020 COVID-19 outbreak, many offices needed their employees to work from home. Knowing how to use a computer and having a computer at home allowed many office workers to continue their work even during the crisis. Also, by getting skilled at computers, you’ll be more qualified for other positions, allowing you to change your position or place of employment for higher pay.

Improves your abilities

Are you not the best speller, have poor grammar, not great at math, maybe you don’t have a great memory, or need help with something else? Using a computer improves all your abilities, or if you have a hard time learning, you can rely on the computer as an assistant.

Helps automate and monitor

A computer can be programmed to complete a task and, once done, repeat that task as many times as needed. For example, a computer could be programmed to move a robotic arm that builds a part for a car or filter, sort, respond, and forward incoming e-mails. Programming a computer-controlled robot to do tedious, dangerous, or repetitive tasks allows humans to focus on enjoyable, safe, and non-repetitive tasks.

A computer can automate most imaginable tasks and can also be programmed to wait for something to occur. For example, computers connected to a camera can be programmed to watch for movement and, when detected, send an alert and begin recording.

Save time

Today, many services help save you time. Several examples are listed below.

Assist the physically challenged

Computers and computer-controlled technology are excellent tools for the physically challenged. For example, Stephen Hawking used a computer to speak, which wouldn’t be as easy without a computer.

Computers are also great tools for the blind; special software (screen reader), can read what is on the screen.

For those who have a hard time leaving the house, shopping, or socializing, a computer can also help with these tasks.

Computers and computer-controlled devices help increase a better quality of life for many different types of people.

Find love in your life

Millions of people have found the love of their lives on the Internet through online dating sites. Computers and the Internet make it easier to connect with other people around the world interested in the same things. Specially designed algorithms can also help go through millions of different people to help find better matches.

Keep you entertained

  • What are the disadvantages of using a computer?
  • How to learn more about computers.
  • How are computers used?
  • What are the advantages of the Internet?
  • See our advantage and computer definitions for further information.