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
| Function | Description | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | Raises fun depending on computer model. | None |
| Finding a Job | Lists 3 jobs a day, while a newspaper has only one. | Adult life stage |
| Studying | Raises grades over time. | Child life stage |
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.
| Function | Description | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Find own place | Moves selected family member into the Family Bin. | None |
| Allows Sims to send and check Email. | None | |
| Chatrooms | Lets Sims chat online with other Sims. Children can chat, but only with other kids. Can fulfill want to meet somebody new. | None |
| Ordering Groceries | Self explanatory. | None |
| Write a Novel | A Sim with high Creativity skill level can write a novel and earn Simoleons. | None |
| Applying/viewing scholarships | If a teen Sim meets the requirements for a scholarship, he/she can apply for one. | The Sims 2: University EP installed |
| Write Term Paper | Young adults at college can write a Term Paper to improve their semester grade | The Sims 2: University EP installed |
| Hack Grades | Young adults that join a secret society can improve their class performance by using the computer to hack their grades. | The Sims 2: University EP installed |
| Starting/managing a business | Start a business or hire/fire employees. | The Sims 2: Open for Business EP installed |
| Blogging about hobbies | The Sim will post hobby tips online. | The Sims 2: FreeTime EP installed |
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.
| Function | Description | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Writing | See Writing article. | None |
| Finding a Job | Lists five job openings a day, jobs generally better than those found in a newspaper. | None |
| Chatroom | Raises a Sim's social bar. | None |
| Gaming | Raises fun depending on the model of computer and if it's been graphically improved. | See Video games. |
| Chess | Raises Logic. | The cheapest model can't do this. |
| Join/Leave Book Club | Sim receives one book a week for a one time fee of §250. | 
|
| Solving the Unsolvable | Earns money if the Sim succeeds, any interruption results in a fail. | 
|
| Upgrading | Makes a computer Unbreakable or gives it Improved Graphics. More on this here. | 
|
| Hacking | Sims can earn money doing this from 9PM to 7AM. | 
|
| Overclocking | Makes computer Unbreakable or improves the graphics. Can be attempted once a computer and has chance of breaking it. |
|
| Trolling Forums | Gives good or bad moodlet randomly. Later Sims may check for responses. |  OR OR
|
| Perform Analysis | Identical to Hacking except can be done anytime. | Level 10 Law Enforcement, forensics branch |
| Plan a Travel | Self - explanatory. |
World Adventures EP installed |
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).