News Release Page Title

17 May 2006

MAKING THE INTERNET EASY AND ACCESSIBLE

Making the Internet easy and accessible for everyone is the key aim of a new CD Rom launched today as part of the upcoming Adult Learners Week (22- 26 May).

Speaking about the launch of the Internet Made Easy CD which will be delivered to every home in Northern Ireland Minister of State, David Hanson MP, said: "The Internet is for everyone, but we need to help people understand the World Wide Web and show them not only how but where they can get access to it."

The Internet Made Easy CD explains in simple, easy to understand steps, how to use a computer, how to connect to the Internet and how to search and browse the World Wide Web.

The CD also highlights the benefits of using the Internet by explaining how to stay in contact with friends and family through email and instant messaging and how to save time and money by shopping and booking cheap flights online. There are also easy to follow steps on how to bank online, find a job, learn about consumer rights, internet security and a great deal more.

Not everyone has a computer in their own home but the public can use over 400 Internet access points in libraries, community centres and Internet cafes throughout Northern Ireland. The CD also makes finding your nearest Internet access point easier than ever. By texting the word INTERNET and their full postcode to 60900 members of the public will instantly get a text message back to tell them where there nearest public Internet access point is. Those without a mobile phone can contact the Educational Guidance Service for Adults (EGSA) on 0845 602 6632 and speak to an adviser who will help them find their nearest Internet access point and training centre.

Minister Hanson concluded: "Northern Ireland is one of the leading broadband regions in Europe with 100% access to broadband. By addressing the reasons why people don't use the Internet and providing them with the skills to get started, I am confident that this CD is a great way to build on our world class broadband infrastructure and promote digital literacy throughout Northern Ireland."

NOTES TO EDITORS:

  1. The CD Rom will be distributed to every household in Northern Ireland as well as being made available online at local libraries, and other public Internet access points throughout Northern Ireland. A phone number (manned by EGSA Connecting Adults with Learning) and a text message service have also been arranged.

  2. There will be an Internet Made Easy CD Day on 25 May 2006 involving Colleges of Further and Higher Education, to encourage the digitally excluded to use their ICT facilities. The Internet Made Easy CD will also be used to help with the training of older people on Silver Surfers' Day, 26 May 2006.

  3. The CD is a digital inclusion project sponsored by the Delivery and Innovation Division of the Department of Finance & Personnel.

  4. Media enquiries to the Press Office, Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, telephone 028 9052 2659.

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