Computer

Computers are objects in The Sims, The Sims 2 and The Sims 3. In the first two games, all the computers are desktops, but The Sims 3 has the first laptop.

Functions in The Sims 2
Some of the computer functions in The Sims 2 are similar to the phone functions in The Sims. The uses of a computer have been greatly expanded, as they could previously only be used for gaming and finding jobs.

Sims without computers cannot be emailed, and will not be available for chatting. All Townies are considered to have computers, and young adults at college are considered to have access to computers on campus community lots.

Players should note that custom computers may not have options from some expansion packs.

Functions in The Sims 3
The features of a computer have again been changed. Now, if a computer doesn't have any chess feature, it means it is the cheapest computer model.

Hacking
Hacking is an activity in The Sims 2: University and The Sims 3 that can be performed on a computer.

"Grade Hacking" is an action available on college computers in The Sims 2: University after a Sim joins a secret society. While hacking, a Sim's class performance will slowly rise, however there is also a great risk. If a Sim hacks their grades for too long, or if they have a low Logic skill, they can be caught and fined by the police, and their class performance lowered to its original state. Having higher Logic lowers the risk of being caught. The chance of being busted can be seen in the top-right hand corner while hacking.

Only Sims with the Computer Whiz trait can hack in The Sims 3. Depending on the amount of times a Sim has hacked before, money is paid out every 30 minutes (20 with the Genius trait).