Playing computer might be the best thing for a students who really wants to improve in chess

Playing computer chess programs might be a good thing for students who really want to improve in chess.

It is very helpful for young players to play against computer chess programs, I like Chessmaster9000, or 10000. It is fun and helps to improve. Playing on-line e.g. www.chessclub.com for older kids as a good way to improve. I recommend young students to play computer a few times a week.

Using computers is also a convenient way to work on chess without leaving the house.

Here are a few quick suggestions on many uses of a computer in chess:

Playing games on-line. (We recommend Internet Chess Club, but there are many free options). This is the best use of computers to improve in chess. We suggest to play 5 min games without increment (delay).
Watching live and grandmasters’ chess games on Internet – a great thing to do.
Playing games against computer program like Fritz, Chessmaster, etc. We recommend Chessmaster (9000, 10000) for beginners and intermediate players.
Solving puzzles on computer: Not recommended, it will delay development in a long run for most of students. Books have to be used for puzzles.
Learning strategy from e-books Not recommended, books should be used.
Video lectures, lessons on-line, etc – may be, for advanced players.
Using database for learning opening – great for advanced players 1500+
Learning Opening from openings software using chess analizing engine - might be good for advanced level players if used properly. Not recommended below some decent level of 2000-2200. Books and work on your own are better on any level. However at some point the software could be used for checking the moves for mistakes.

The most serious warning we give against using a chess program to find your mistakes in a chess game. Do not do that unless may be you annotate the game for the chess magazine or to show to a chess class. Analyzing games on by yourself is one of the best way to improve; using the computer will kill all the purpose of analyzing the game.