What exactly is a computer?

Now this might seem like a straightforward question to answer because clearly for you to be even reading this, you have to be using a computer, but I think it’s an important issue for me to answer,  as it frames how I look at everything in the realm of technology. A standard issue reply to a question like this from a regular computer technician might start to describe the electrical circuits, processors and other physical components that make up a computer. I think that the question should address itself in a deeper way that would yield us with a far more helpful definition that will have us thinking about a computer and technology in general in a much more productive manner.

 I would answer this question by saying that a computer is a tool.

Computers are tools just as in any other makers toolkits.

That’s right, a device similar to that of a hammer, a saw, or any other tool which you use to produce create or help you reach a desirable product or outcome. Now clearly in the case of a computer, it is a widely varied and powerful multi-purpose tool, which could be used to create music, documents or video, as a communications device or as an entertainment device. Looking at a computer in this way it helps frame any decisions with a clearer goal orientated outcome. For example, if an update for your word processing program is available you need to ask yourself will this help me create my documents in a more efficient manner? Will this update keep my tools sharp and working properly? Or will it just add extra weight and make my tools harder to carry?

Your computer is similar to that of the axe of a lumberjack, it needs to be kept sharp, and you need to know how to swing and wield it with proper force and accuracy otherwise you will not be able to cut down any trees and your axe would be a useless piece of metal at the end of a handle. Similarly, if you do not keep your computer running efficiently and do not know how to use it properly, then it is a lump of plastic and metal. The axe has the capability of cutting through many giant trees, yet if improperly treated and neglected it is a useless instrument and the same is said for a computer, quite capable of producing great works of art or simplifying your life yet used improperly and it could turn into a burden or a hindrance to your overall goals or life. Treat your computer as you would a good tool, keep it sharp, well maintained, stored correctly so when the time comes for you to use it it is more than ready or capable for whatever task you put it up against.

Often people will get caught up in the technology field by having to have the latest of everything, to try each new program they read a review on, install as many browser extensions as they are recommended and the result of this type of behaviour is a dulling of your tools. Everyone has a clear idea of what their computer is for if you make it clear that it is a tool, a means for the production or delivery of other content.

It is important to remember that not everything in the world of technology is going to work harmoniously with each other, despite whatever the marketing and sales people tell you, so do n’t forget to treat your computer as a tool with a goal to produce valuable content.

Thinking about all technology like this will help free up allot of mental energy as  much of the stress caused by technology is due to people losing sight of the bigger picture with it and that is that everyone has a larger goal to achieve, and technology is only a tool to enable you to achieve that goal or outcome fatter and more efficiently.

Keep your tools sharp and make them work for you!

Warmest Regards,
Sonny Brown