Most of the machines that have been developed to improve our lives serve a single purpose. Just try to drive to the store in your washing machine or vacuum the living room with your car and this becomes quite clear. Your computer, by contrast, serves many functions. In the office or library, you may find it invaluable as a word processor. Once you get home, slip in a DVD and your computer takes on the role of a television. Start up a flight simulator and it assumes the properties of anything from a hang glider to a Learjet. Launch an mp3 player and you suddenly.
