to their online firm to download information on stocks. This way they have the knowledge to trade and buy stocks for themselves without paying a certain percent to the broker. People can become a member of online firms such as: Ameritrade, DLJ Direct, SureTrade, and others. Here they can trade for a mere $8-$10 dollars. People also have responded that they feel more comfortable when they have total control of their money ( Maney 45). A final area deals with the actual computer-related companies. These companies have turned from perhaps what some considered an unthinkable business into Fortune 500 companies (Maney 48). Such companies as: Microsoft, Intel, Dell, Gateway, Cisco, and Apple have become some of the most successful companies around the world. They have also caused the infamous Silicon Valley to sprout up. This area located in mid-western California has become one of the most well-known areas along with the most profitable (Horowitz 38). Those companies produce the needed computer software, machines, computer chips, and hardware needed by the people. Statistics show that about 1 in every 5 households own at least one computer in their home. By the year 2002 they expect those results to be around 1 in 3 (Stross 58). These reasons along with others are what have made computer businesses become so successful. Computers have opened a whole new way to educate people. A first example is through educational software. Companies like Kaplan develop many programs which help people with all subjects. These programs do not only help with young kids, but for all different ages. They now have software that helps kids study for such tests as the ACT and SAT. These can come in handy and be a great benefit when the test rolls around. Multimedia programs give people the chance to have a whole set of encyclopedias, almanacs, maps, dictionaries, and other informational tools (Stross 62). Computers ha...
