UK To Offer PCs For £98, Subsidized Internet Connections 224
Sam writes "The UK government wants to offer low-cost computers as part of a 12-month trial during Race Online 2012. The scheme, which aims to reach out to the 9.2 million adults that are not yet online, 4 million of whom are considered socially and economically disadvantaged, aims to 'make the UK the first nation in the world where everyone can use the web.' Prices will start at £98 ($156.01) for a refurbished PC, with subsidized Internet connections available for as little as £9 ($14.33) a month or £18 ($28.65) for three months. The cheap computers will run open-source software (think Linux) and will include a flat-screen monitor, keyboard, mouse, dedicated telephone helpline, delivery, and even a warranty. The cheap Internet packages will use a mobile dongle to help people access the web."
Re:Change that into windows (Score:5, Interesting)
These are especially elderly and others that have never been in a position 'to get used' to the Windows environment.
I've set op Linux computers for such people and they just don't know any different.
But after they had visiting family & friends I sometimes have to reassert they really don't need anti-virus.
Re:Some people don't want to go online (Score:0, Interesting)
And this is where we are headed in the US... Oh, wait, already there in most ways....
NO incentive at all to move off the government dole.
Enough with the entitlement programs already. Keep a BARE MINIMUM safety net. And I mean BARE, as in, it SUCKS and you want to do something, anything (like work), to get yourself and your family off it and into a better life.