计算机素养（computer literacy）指一个人对于电脑运作方式的概念和使用电脑的纯熟度，并非仅指个人电脑(PC)而包括广义的数字控制机器。计算机素养高的人对于数字化机器的运作逻辑有一种灵感性掌握，很容易学会新的软件或接口，了解新的硬件功能。

这个术语源于1972年阿特·鲁赫曼（Art Luehrmann）发表的一篇会议论文“Should the computer teach the student, or vice-versa?”，该文介绍并定义了“computing literacy”。其后，人们开始使用“computer literacy”而不是“computing literacy”。直到1981年，他帮助创建的出版公司正式命名为“Computer Literacy Press”。30年后的2002年，他再次发表文章“Should the computer teach the student... — 30 years later”，感慨世界的教育系统在计算机文化教育方面没有取得多大进展。

Computer literacy is the ability to use computers and related technology efficiently, with a range of skills covering levels from elementary use to programming and advanced problem solving. Computer literacy can also refer to the comfort level someone has with using computer programs and other applications that are associated with computers. Another valuable component is understanding how computers work and operate. Computer literacy may be distinguished from computer programming which is design and coding of computer programs rather than familiarity and skill in their use.