The UK Government is introducing various short online courses for citizens who have little or no knowledge of using computers for day-to-day purposes under its Online Basics Scheme.
The plan was launched by Business Secretary, Lord Mandelson, after it came to light that about 11.3 million British people did not know how to use computers. Mandelson stressed on the need for basic computer training to participate actively in the present digital society. He suggested that computer skills could help people access the vast pool of knowledge on the Internet and thereby benefit in their educational pursuits. He added that the elderly could increase their earnings by going online.
The Basic Online Scheme, which is free for all Britons, will comprise five different courses that cover basic computer skills including typing, using the mouse and simple internet tasks such as emailing and browsing.
All those eager to learn computer skills can do so from the comfort of their homes if they have a computer and a broadband connection. Even those who do not have a personal computer or an internet connection have been covered under the scheme - they can complete the modules at walk-in online centres that have been established in
The Government also wants to enrol another one million adults in the programme by 2013.This announcement comes on the heels of a similar announcement wherein the Government disclosed its plans to give a free laptop and broadband access for a year to 270,000 low-income families under the Home Access scheme.
If you require more information on either broadband or mobile broadband, a good place to check out is the independent consumer website Broadband Genie. They offer information and free advice, and have some really good rants and raves from consumers on the ISP’s. It’s a good site to get started on the internet with laptop deals and broadband offers from all the various service providers.
