Webuser Forums: The net begins at 50

Yes I am but I started using computers back in the 1980's when I was still at work. Now I've retired I spend one day a week at my local branch of Age Concern running computer courses for 'silver surfers'. I've probably seen around 100 people in the age group 60 to 85 in the year that I've been running the programme ranging in ability from "I haven't actually got a computer yet." to "Can you help me with Vista and Office 2007."

Probably the most common comment is something like "My son/daughter has just brought me a laptop. He/she came round and installed it and told me it was easy. That was the last I saw of them."

Most people want to learn about email so they can keep in touch with friends and relatives. They want to learn how to get onto the internet because they keep seeing bargains advertised that require them to look at a web site. Many of my generation are aware of our limited lifespan and want to do some genealogical research.

Their biggest concern is the stuff they've seen on the news about identity theft and credit card loss once they get on the net.

Although it's not part of your question, I would ask anyone who's got a bit of knowledge about computing and wants to put something back into their community, contact your local branch of Age Concern and offer your services. There is a crying need for volunteers now that local councils and libraries have stopped their free tuition.

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Do you know that we're all in line for succession to the throne? Really?
Well, if forty-eight million, two hundred thousand, seven hundred and one people died I'd be Queen.

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