In the simplest of terms, an Arduino is an open-source electronics prototyping platform based on flexible, easy-to-use hardware and software. It's intended for artists, designers, hobbyists, and anyone interested in creating interactive objects or environments.
Arduino can sense the environment by receiving input from a variety of sensors and can affect its surroundings by controlling lights, motors, and other actuators. The micro-controller on the board is programmed using the Arduino programming language (based on Wiring) and the Arduino development environment (based on Processing). Arduino projects can be stand-alone or they can communicate with software running on a computer (e.g. Flash, Processing, MaxMSP).
To summarize the above, when you are working with Arduino you'll have 2 things, the Arduino Board and your PC. On your PC you'll be running the ADE (Arduino Development Environment) which when you've written the code, will be sent to the Arduino. Secondly you'll have the Arduino board connected to your PC via the cable that comes with it. (Same cable that is used for HP Printers)
Arduino can greatly enhance your creativity since it can run anything from a simple connection of a LED to a robot. Its completely open-source so you can do whatever your mind can do in terms to hacking and modding it. I've had mine for 8 Days so far and i cant remember a day passing without casting a glance at it or reading something new.
