5. Advantages and Disadvantages of Home Computers

　　a. 家用电脑的普及

　　b .家用电脑的好处

　　c .家用电脑带来的问题

　　Just a few years ago, the idea of having a computer in one's home seemed far-fetched for most Chinese. Now, however, with the advent and popularity of the home computer, its advantages and disadvantages have been a subject of discussion.

　　There is no doubt that like TV, computers benefit people hugely. With the computer, the home will become a library, a school, an office and an entertainment center. All transactions, from banking to shopping, will be performed electronically and all information, form train schedules to discount price goods, will be as close as the press of a key. In addition to providing us many of the facilities and services we now must travel to obtain, with the Internet, the computer will even let us communicate directly with other homes and with information sources worldwide. Despite the increase in efficiency and convenience generated by the computer, the changes it brings could very well lead to potentially adverse consequences. For example, as nearly all activities could be conducted in the comfort of our homes, we could all become hermitlike, never feeling any need to leave the house. This would be unfortunate because our children especially will become so addicted to computers that they might never be exposed to either peer pressure or social interaction.

　　Unquestionably, the challenge of the home computer means we all should consider how we can control it, so that it won't control us.