A computer is a device for working with information, which can be numbers, words, pictures, movies, or sounds. Computer information is also called data. Computers can process huge amounts of data very quickly and store and display data. People use computers every day at work, at school, and at home. Computers are used in factories to control how things are made and in offices to keep records. People also use computers for sending e-mail, writing reports, shopping, banking, listening to music, and playing games. The Internet, which is a huge network of linked computers, provides information from all over the world. Computers come in many forms, such as supercomputers, desktop personal computers (PCs), laptops, notebooks, tablet computers, and personal digital assistants (PDAs). Some very small computers are used to control machines.

For kids, learning basic computer skills will help them develop good study habits, communication skills, and an aptitude for problem-solving. Children can begin using computers at a young age, but it is important to introduce them to traditional computers with keyboards, which they will most likely use at school. Educating them about the history of computers and teaching them basic computer hardware and software fundamentals can help them understand what computers are and how they have evolved.