Traditionally, building large models of systems has been via a statistical model, which attempts to find analytical solutions to problems and thereby enable the prediction of the behavior of the system from a set of parameters and initial conditions.

The term computer simulation is broader than computer modeling; the latter implies that all aspects are being modeled in the computer representation. However, computer simulation also includes generating inputs from simulated users in order to run actual computer software or equipment, with only part of the system being modeled. An example would be a flight simulator that can run machines as well as actual flight software.

Computer simulations are used in many fields, including science, technology, entertainment, health care, and business planning and scheduling.