Why would any one need a Computer?

Why would any one need a computer?
I too, asked "why you would need one?" I was met with the same knowing smile I now give when I hear this. The answer is so huge it’s hard to answer. And the answer is as varied as the many things you can do or what the user would like to accomplish.
It is widely regarded that the printing press is the most important invention in the last 500 years. Invented by a man named Gutenberg, around 1440 A.D. He was not thought to be that brilliant by his neighbor’s. It changed the world and all but created the American Revolution (among so much else) when used to as a device to raise awareness of the situation. The Boston massacre, although greatly exaggerated, cemented American resolve with an artist’s rendering of the tragedy. Printed on the printing press. On a computer, the printer is a "peripheral" If the pen is mightier then the sword, the home computer is a nuke.
Before I go shopping for any large ticket items, I research it online then find best price. I don’t often buy much unless I really do need it. With online researching before buying, I have saved at least $2,000 over just going in to a local store with out checking the prices at other local retailers in the last year. There is actually amazingly less identity theft in cyberspace then using checks or credit cards in the real world. Saves time and money.
There is a plethora of free on line learning tutorials. I love Learnthat.com (I love free more) Also Barnes and noble book store has some outstanding courses. You buy the book, and then complete the course’s What really surprised me most about online schooling is that I had more interaction with the professors and other students then I did in "brick and mortar" schooling. Also, the national GPA in brick and mortar schools leaves females with a 6 point deficit. With "Cyberlearning", it is a dead heat between male and female students GPA. Also, online learning has a much higher drop out rate, but better GPA for those who finish. (Really do need to be a self starter.)
There are many ways to work from home and telecommute. This is ideal for Moms, stay at home Dads and people that for one reason or another need to stay at home. (Iviallge.com is an excellent source for work at home ideas) Using these, I have opened a webpage hosting company, a PC repair business and 2 not for profit organizations.
We have all heard the horror stories about kids and the Internet. It is truly a frightening thing and keeps me awake at night. But studies are showing that the Internet helps kids advance in communication, artistic and many other areas. Is just like television and the world at large. We have to monitor and keep them out of dangerous places. All large companies, the U.S. military and most jobs want or require some computer skills. I worry more about kids in parks then on the net. Take the proper percussion's and disallow chat rooms where the bad folk go to troll for kids.
For the elderly, home bound, handicapped, and the lonely, the home computer allows them communication and interaction that all we humans need so much. Bottom line, a home computer is like a car. We could live with out one and if we never had one we would not know how valuable a tool and transport it is.
God bless. Love and peace to you and yours.