Computer with just six functions unveiled for technophobe pensioners
An easy-to-use computer that helps older computer users surf the internet has been unveiled.
The PC, which has just six main buttons on the desktop, was unveiled by former Blue Peter Presenter Valerie Singleton yesterday.
The 72-year-old said the SimplicITY computer would help over 50s who had trouble with the increasingly sophisticated computers on offer.
SimplicITy computers have a basic start screen with just six options
She said: 'We don't need the bells and whistles that modern computers offer, we just need something that's simple to use and reliable.'
More than six million people over the age of 65 have been left behind by the 'digital revolution' and never browsed the internet, according to government figures.
The computer looks like a normal desktop but there is no log-in screen. Instead you are taken to a simple screen called Square One as soon as you turn it on.
The email system is incredibly simple to use and has been designed for those who struggle with hi-tech gadgets
From here you can send emails, browse the web, chat to friends and family, store photos and write short documents.
It also has a link to video tutorials where Valerie Singleton takes the user step-by-step through the different features.
Valerie Singleton, 72, is promoting the SimplicITy for confused computer users
'If you have a problem you can just go 'back to Square One' and start all over again,' a spokesman said.
The made-to-order computers are powered by Eldy and run the Linux Mint operating system, which the makers claim are less vulnerable to viruses and spyware compared to other systems.
The charity Help the Aged welcomed the efforts to help older people go online.
Andrew Harrop, head of public policy said: 'Pensioners who aren't online are missing out on hundreds of pounds in potential savings by shopping around.'
The desktop will cost ?299.99 while the mini-desktop with dual core processor for ?389.99. A suite including the screen, a keyboard and mouse is priced at ?435.99 and ?525.99.
An easy-to-use computer that helps older computer users surf the internet has been unveiled.
The PC, which has just six main buttons on the desktop, was unveiled by former Blue Peter Presenter Valerie Singleton yesterday.
The 72-year-old said the SimplicITY computer would help over 50s who had trouble with the increasingly sophisticated computers on offer.
SimplicITy computers have a basic start screen with just six optionsShe said: 'We don't need the bells and whistles that modern computers offer, we just need something that's simple to use and reliable.'
More than six million people over the age of 65 have been left behind by the 'digital revolution' and never browsed the internet, according to government figures.
The computer looks like a normal desktop but there is no log-in screen. Instead you are taken to a simple screen called Square One as soon as you turn it on.
The email system is incredibly simple to use and has been designed for those who struggle with hi-tech gadgetsFrom here you can send emails, browse the web, chat to friends and family, store photos and write short documents.
It also has a link to video tutorials where Valerie Singleton takes the user step-by-step through the different features.
Valerie Singleton, 72, is promoting the SimplicITy for confused computer users'If you have a problem you can just go 'back to Square One' and start all over again,' a spokesman said.
The made-to-order computers are powered by Eldy and run the Linux Mint operating system, which the makers claim are less vulnerable to viruses and spyware compared to other systems.
The charity Help the Aged welcomed the efforts to help older people go online.
Andrew Harrop, head of public policy said: 'Pensioners who aren't online are missing out on hundreds of pounds in potential savings by shopping around.'
The desktop will cost ?299.99 while the mini-desktop with dual core processor for ?389.99. A suite including the screen, a keyboard and mouse is priced at ?435.99 and ?525.99.
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