In 1985, computers began to be used extensively in offices, homes, and schools. However, as time went on, they became more essential. For example, if a customer wanted a product in a photo store, the customer would call the store and place an order. Then, the store owner would retrieve the product from the shelf and either pay for it or have it shipped to the customer. Previously, the customer would either go to the store or wait for the product to be delivered. Thus, computers improved the efficiency and convenience of doing business.

The phrase ‘complex and stressful’ is ambiguous. It could mean a number of things, including that computers have made daily life more complicated, or that computers have made people work longer hours to get the same amount of work done. In the early days, computers were primarily used as glorified calculators. They calculated simple arithmetical problems, such as addition and subtraction, and were programmed to perform a variety of specific tasks. However, as computers evolved, they were able to perform a wider variety of tasks than calculators. For example, they allowed people to operate an accounting program to enter accounts receivable and accounts payable, which could automatically generate bills and invoices. Computers were also programmed to print checks and cash them. When computers became more sophisticated, they could perform complex tasks, such as word processing, creating spreadsheets, and analyzing data. As computers became more sophisticated, they allowed people to perform more work in less time. They could also perform tasks that were previously performed by entire departments, such as payroll.

Computers made life easier and more convenient for office workers. In 2005, computers were used to perform 90 percent of the work done by office workers. These computers required less space, required less maintenance, and required less power to operate. When a person was in the office, he or she could sit at a desk, type, and have access to the Internet. Computers also allowed people to perform functions previously performed by secretaries and administrative assistants, such as managing calendars and scheduling meetings. A computer could perform these functions quickly and accurately, and since it had access to the Internet, it could look up information and send it to the person requesting it. For example, a secretary used to enter data into a calendar. A computer could search the Internet for vacation dates, add the information to a calendar, and send it to the secretary. Computers also allowed people to perform functions that previously required a receptionist. For example, when customers would call a business, the receptionist would answer the phone, take the customer’s name, and either transfer the call to the appropriate person or route the call to voice mail. A computer could do the same thing, and if the person requested a call back, the computer would call the customer back. The customer could remain anonymous, and the receptionist could concentrate on other tasks.

The computer also made life more convenient for patients in hospitals. In the early days, computers were used primarily for recordkeeping, such as keeping track of patients’ medical records. Today, computers are used to track inpatients and outpatients, prescribed medications, and vital signs. Computers are also used to evaluate patients. Doctors can review a patient’s medical history and vital signs, and this information can be displayed on a computer screen. For example, a doctor can look at the patient’s record, see that he was admitted to the hospital on Friday, and then look at his records to see that he had a fever of 105 degrees and that he had a heart rate of 120 beats per minute. If the doctor sees that the patient’s condition is deteriorating, the doctor can order a lab test and check to see that it is accurate. A computer can make a physician’s job easier, and doctors can spend more time with patients because computers can answer a multitude of questions.

The computer also made life more convenient for students and teachers in schools. Computers replaced textbooks and paper workbooks with interactive computer courses. Teachers could design interactive lessons by inputting information into a computer. For example, a teacher could type into the computer the names of several countries, and the computer would display the flags, capital cities, and geographical features of each. The student could then click on each feature to learn about it. Teachers could also create interactive presentations by inputting information into computers. For example, a teacher could type into the computer the name of a famous historical figure, and the computer would display information about the person, including the person’s age, birthplace, occupation, and accomplishments. The computer could also give the student multiple-choice questions, and the student could click on the answer that he or she wanted. If multiple answers were given, the computer would list the answers. This increased the speed and efficiency of teaching. When students use computers, they can learn at their own pace. If students cannot understand a lesson, they can go back to the lesson and study it until they are able to understand it. Computers are also useful for taking tests. For example, when students go to a computer, they can register to take a test, and the computer will give them directions for the test. They can also register for a class, and the computer can remind the student of the class. The computer can also grade the test, and if it is an online test, the student will receive his or her score immediately.

When referring to computers, people often say, ‘Some people