Essay, Research Paper: A Computer Is A Magical Instrument

I had always heard that a computer can be the most versatile and powerful tool in your
home. Thus, throughout my life I always dreamed of having a personal computer. About
five years ago, my parents purchased a used computer which was nothing more than a
word processor. I was excited with having it, however I soon realized that this was not
the computer I had always dreamed of. Then last summer, before going to college, I was
able to purchase my own personal Packard Bell computer, consequently affecting my life
in many important ways.
A computer can be used as a therapeutic implement for the brain. Two years ago, I
was in a serious car accident in which I received a head injury. Just as an infants brain
develops by learning and practicing, I needed to help my brain relearn many things. After
being hospitalized and going through months of therapy, I returned to high school.
Although I graduated with my class, I needed to continue to recuperate by continuing my
thinking skills during the summer, especially since I was planning to continue my
education. My doctor suggested I could either go back to Frazier Rehabilitation or I
could work on my own therapy with a computer. Because I read slowly, I do not enjoy
reading on my own, therefore by using a computer it would be a way to practice and
develop my reading skills. I purchased a computer and printer with some college money
that I had saved. Although my family was with me at the time of the purchase, we had to
rely on the salesman's expertise because none of us were very familiar enough with
computers to make that decision. Naturally, when it came time to set up the computer the
work was up to me, creating quite a challenge. I had used a computer at school but that
did not prepare me for this situation. After a day of, frustrating manuals and following the
computers directions, my computer was complete and ready for me to begin my work. I
started familiarizing myself with the computer by playing computer games that helped to
challenge my skill and imagination. Gradually, I began using multimedia resources and the
Internet, thus helping to expand my cognitive skills. It was necessary for me to learn new
information as well as refresh my memory of information which was lost.
Perhaps one of the most important tasks that my computer has to do, is helping me
with college work. I depend on my computer to help me everyday. For example, it is my
pencil, paper, and storage cabinet. As a result of my accident, the accurate movement of
my right arm was affected, causing me to have difficulty with my handwriting. By using
the computer I am able to write for longer periods of time which is necessary for college
work. In addition, my typing skills have become excellent, therefore I can jot down
information quickly so that I do not loose the thought. This is very important to me
because I have trouble with my short term memory. A computer is a good place to store
and access school work, consequently I always have my assignments. Students having to
rely on the schools computer lab, are often unable to use it when they need to. On the
other hand, I can use my computer at any time unless the electricity is off. The Internet is
a library that I can use night or day enabling me to complete my assignments with little
difficulty. Thus, my computer is an important element for me with college work.
I believe that my computer has become my hobby, in other words it is recreation at
my fingertips. This form of recreaton is more important for me because I am not able to
go out as often as my peers since I have not regained my stamina since my accident. I
have access to America On Line, therefore I use E-mail, chat with friends, and explore the
Internet almost everyday. I began using E-mail while I was away at college. Every day
my Mother would send me a good morning message, although I didn't always send a reply
I still enjoyed hearing from her. I also corresponded with relatives that live in Indiana,
North Carolina, and with friends that were going to other colleges. It really fascinated me
to be able to talk to everyone whenever I wanted. In one corner of my screen I have a
box that lets me know when friends "On Line", with this I can chat directly with them
without any interruptions. Have you ever written a letter to someone and then didn't
receive their reply for a week or more? By the time you received the letter you probably
forgot what you had said to them. Well, with my computer I can talk directly by typing a
message and they will respond immediately. I also have the opportunity to speak with
people all over the world, although it's good to be careful what information you give out
about yourself. Finally, one of the most enjoyable aspects of America Online is the
Internet. I like to look up different parts of the world and learn about the area. Maps and
pictures are usually available for me to see the country for myself. Then, if I like the
picture, especially a tropical island, I print a color copy to put on the wall of my dorm
room.
Amazing as it may seem, I really believe my computer has been one of the most
important factors in my life. My computer not only started me on the road to recovery,
but also continues to support my life in many important ways.