According to a recent BBC report, it is thought that 10million people in the UK ,or 21% of the population, are not online. Of those not on online, the majority are over the age of 60.
We must try to change this and bring the world of the internet to many more people for whom being connected maybe a lifesaver, a means of frequent social contact with others , and a regular vast source of information, much of it for free, on a wide range of subjects for a more active and fulfilling life.
I cannot imagine what it would be like not to be connected to the internet, or to have computing tools unavailable to me. Not that I am a whizz kid, or techie type. I came to computing later in life, and struggled for a while experiencing the frustrations while learning necessary basic computing skills. Now regular use of my computer is such that, a bit like riding a bike, the basic skill stays with you. Sometimes, I do still lose my balance and fall off!
Sir Terry Wogan is an ambassador for literacy, and he is an advocate of computing for those currently missing out on the wonderful world of personal computing. You can see and hear Terry by clicking here http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8679999.stm
This is such an important subject for us that I shall be returning to it often over the next few weeks.
If you are eager to start learning more about personal computing right away you could do worse than obtain a copy of the Which? step-by-step guide for those who want to understand their PC and use it on a daily basis. The guide is called : Computing for the over 50s . It is available online if you can manage it at http://www.which.co.uk or you can call the Which? people on 01903 828557