Netbooks are small, lightweight laptops designed primarily for basic computing tasks such as web browsing, email, and word processing. They typically have smaller screens, lower processing power, and less storage compared to traditional laptops, making them more affordable and portable. Netbooks often run on simplified operating systems, which helps extend battery life. Introduced in the late 2000s, netbooks gained popularity due to their convenience and low cost. However, as technology advanced, they faced competition from tablets and more powerful ultrabooks. Today, netbooks are less common, but they played a significant role in making computing accessible to a broader audience.