SimplicITy PCs Built Specifically for Seniors, New Users

A new, simplified desktop computer aimed at older people unfamiliar with PCs and the Internet has been unveiled. SimplicITy only has 6 buttons that direct users to basic tasks like email and chat. It comes preloaded with 17 video tutorials from Valerie Singleton, a television presenter.

According to government figures, there are more than 6 million people over the age of 65 who have never used the Internet.

SimplicITy produces the specialty PCs in partnership with Wessex Computers and discount-age. It takes users two weeks to receive their made-to-order computers.

SimplicITy: No Log-in Screen

Singleton was shocked by the number of older users that do not have computers. A survey conducted by the Office for National Statistics in August 2009 revealed that 6.4 million people aged 65 and older have never used the Internet.

The SimplicITy computer does not have a log-in screen when it's booted up and contains no drop-down menus. It boots directly to a front page called "square one" that contains separate clickable buttons for email, browsing the Internet, files for storing Word documents and photos, online chat and a user profile. (Source: bbc.co.uk)

Eldy.org Users Capable of Chatting with Each Other

The email system used by SimplicITy is a modified version of an Italian design called Eldy. Every SimpliciTY user with an eldy.org address will be capable of chatting with each other by using the "chat" button.

SimplicITy uses Linux, a free operating system that can be customized by users. Pricing for the SimplicITy desktop is not yet known.

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