Today's computer has easily had the most impact on the world since it was invented. Its great impact lies in the fact that not only has it become our main source of information, but also our main source of communication and entertainment.

The internet can be credited with allowing us to keep in touch with others across the globe for a very low cost. I met a girl from Tokyo, Japan named Rica at summer camp five years ago. I converse with Rica on a weekly basis due to my ability to access email. Talking to Rica on the phone as often as we communicate through email would be unrealistic because international phone calls are quite expensive; that would cost well over the amount I pay for internet access each month. I can attribute my long-lasting friendship with someone I haven't seen since I met, who lives on a side of the world I have never seen, to email.

The internet is also today's main resource for obtaining information. I spent about half of my summer interning at an illustrated book company. There, I was assigned to research various topics for upcoming book projects. Using major search engines such as Google, I found piles of data and research on topics ranging from environmental artwork to the increasing popularity of Tibetan medicinal practices in the U.S.

What also makes the computer an amazing product of technology is its combination with other essential modern inventions. I can watch movies with the built-in DVD player that also doubles as a CD player. Downloading songs takes minutes, and once I have the opportunity to access any song at any time, without commercials or obnoxious interruptions, I have essentially replaced the radio. That's right folks, computer killed the radio star.

We take for granted our ability and great opportunity to easily access computers and all of their incredibly convenient functions, but it is true: with the computer, everything we want and need to know is literally at our fingertips.