Language Point 23

More than half of the home computers sold in the United States in recent years will become essential to home life in the West. (Para. 18)
Meaning: Most of the home computers sold in the United States in recent years will become a very necessary part of home life in Western countries.
essential to: very necessary to or being the foundation of
Food, sleep and housing are essential to human beings.

食物、睡眠和住房是人类生存的基本要素。