Did you know that nearly 50% of all households own at least one computer? If you’re someone who has yet to purchase a computer but is ready to do so now, you want to make sure that you know all of the pros and cons of computers before you spend any money.
Because while computers are great tools to have, and can create tons of fun for you and your family, they can also be quite dangerous. After all, having a way to connect to billions of people all around the world is exciting, but it’s also filled with new threats that you need to be sure to avoid.
In this article, we’ll breakdown the 4 pros and the 4 cons of owning a computer. We’ll tell you what you can look forward to, as well as what issues to look out for, so you can make sure everyone in your house enjoys your new computer safely
The Pros of Using a Computer
To say that there are tons of pros to using a computer would be a massive understatement. After all, there’s a reason why so many people all across the world use computers each and every day.
With that in mind, there are 4 specific pros to computer use that are worth mentioning. We’ll breakdown those 4 pros individually below.
1. Education
With a computer and an internet connection, you can learn about anything that you could want to learn about from the comfort of your own home. In fact, most universities offer online classes, meaning you can get a college degree from your home using your computer and your brain.
If you’re not looking to get a degree, but want to learn about something trivial, like how to tie a tie, a computer can help you do that, too.
Remember, learning new things, especially as you get older, is great for your mental health. Constantly striving to better yourself will make you a much happier individual, which is more than enough reason to grab a computer today.
2. Entertainment
We get it. Talking about all the various things that you can learn by using your computer isn’t the most fun sales pitch in the world. But this next pro is literally all about entertainment, as it’s one of the biggest reasons to own a computer in 2020.
No matter what your hobbies and interests are, a computer and an internet connection can help you explore those hobbies and interests that much more. So, if you’re into baseball cards, you can search for, and even purchase, baseball cards online from sites like eBay.
On top of that, you can join message boards that are filled with other baseball card collectors and share tips and tricks on how to score the best finds. And you never know, you could meet someone online who lives in your area and loves the same things that you do, gaining a new friend in the process.
Like movies and TV shows? With a computer, you can watch all of your favorite TV shows and movies at any time. That means that keeping up with your favorite shows or sports teams is that much easier, which is a huge positive.
If you’re a music fan, apps like Spotify can give you access to all of your favorite tunes directly on your computer. You can also listen to talk radio and podcasts using your computer, all through your Spotify application, which is worth mentioning.
3. Communication
Got family members located all over the world? Looking for a fun way to stay connected with everyone? Grab your computer and sign up for a social media website.
Sites like Facebook and Instagram are easy-to-use websites that allow you to keep up with the people you love and what they’re doing each day. They’re completely free, too, which means you won’t have to pay to stay in touch with your friends and family members.
If social media isn’t your cup of tea, a simple email address can get the job done, too. We’ve already talked about things like message boards and forums, which make it easy to chat with people online who share a common interest with you. You can also connect your phone with a lindy usb c to your laptop or computer to back up files and photos you may want to share with people. This way you always have a copy that is safe on your hard drive.
4. Work
We’ll be honest. It’s not easy to have a successful career in 2020 and not own a computer of some kind. The need to communicate, for one, makes having a computer a necessity for success.
There are also tons of computer programs, like Microsoft Office, that are must-haves in today’s business world. And while you can use these apps on a smartphone, larger projects require the use of a computer to work at a more productive pace.
In the world of video Zoom conferences, a computer with a webcam is almost required, too. The good news? You can find great deals on laptops with webcams, allowing you to join in on work Zoom meetings with no issues.
The Cons of Using a Computer
Of course, like all things in life, owning a computer has its fair share of cons, too. But, as long as you know what those cons are, you can make sure that you avoid them completely.
The 4 biggest cons to watch out for? Health issues, privacy threats, time management issues, and computer addiction. We’ll breakdown all 4 of those issues, much like we did the pros, below.
1. Health Issues
it goes without saying, but sitting down and staring at a computer screen for too long isn’t good for your physical and mental health. In fact, if you use a computer often, we recommend that you get up and stir around a bit at least once every hour. That way you can keep your blood flowing and stay healthy.
Too much computer usage can also cause eye strain, and even carpal tunnel, which is another reason to take frequent breaks. And if you do start experiencing any of these issues, contact your doctor right away.
A pro tip? Set a timer on your computer to remind you to get up every so often. That way you can make sure that you aren’t overdoing it.
2. Privacy Threats
Being super active on the internet can be dangerous when done carelessly. Having your identity stolen, or your privacy invaded, is very much a possibility and something to be concerned about.
The good news? Knowing how to be safe online is easy, which means avoiding cyber threats is something you need to worry a great deal about. Just be smart, and know what not to do, and you’ll stay safe.
Got kids? Make sure that, if they’re going to be using the computer, they know how to be safe online, too. That way you can protect them from any cyber threats, as well as make sure that your computer itself is safe from harm.
3. Time Management Issues
Do you ever feel like there’s not enough time in the day? Struggle to complete everything that you need to get done in a 24-hour window? If you’re not careful, a computer can make managing your time that much harder.
Again, because there’s so much to do on a computer, you can get distracted rather easily. That can lead to you getting behind at work or home, which of course isn’t a good thing.
With all of that in mind, if you’re dedicated, a computer can actually help you be more productive and manage your time better. With the use of calendar apps and reminders, your computer can event help you stay focused and on task.
4. Computer Addiction
Over 60% of internet users are addicted to the web. That means that, if you have an addictive personality, you can end up spending more time on your computer than you’d like to.
Our advice? Limit your computer usage each day. Set a dedicated time window that you’re allowed to use your computer. After that window has lapsed, shut your computer down completely for the rest of the day.
If you notice yourself becoming too attached to your computer, reach out to a professional ASAP. Failure to do so could negatively affect all aspects of your life, which is a problem that you want to avoid.
The 8 Pros and Cons of Computers
There are tons of pros and cons of computers and computer-usage. The pros vastly outweigh the cons and make the decision to purchase a computer for yourself a no-brainer. And now that you know what the cons are, you can do everything that you can to avoid them outright.
Look for more information on the latest tech gadgets? Check back with our blog often, as we have everything you’re looking for, from product reviews to tips and tricks!
