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March 25th, 2010 @ The Royal Garden Hotel, London
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UK - London
TV host becomes face of new machine for older generation
Television presenter Valerie Singleton has teamed up with technology companies to develop a Linux-based PC designed specifically for the over 50s.
The SimplicITy computer has no log in screen and features just six large-text buttons for users to access basic functions such as email and web browsing.
Users also receive video tutorials presented by Singleton, which come pre-installed on the machine and give a step-by-step guide to using the different tools.
SimplicITy is the brainchild of Discount Age – the money-saving website co-founded by Singleton – and Wessex Computers. It is aimed to address the fact that only around half of over-50s have access to a computer and the internet, compared to over 80 per cent of 29- to 45-year-olds.
“Without access to a computer and the internet, the day-to-day lives of people in this group are going to become increasingly impoverished as they are shut out of the most dynamic form of modern communication,” said Nigel Houghton, Discount Age’s managing director. “With SimplicITy, however, we have made getting online and staying in touch painless, easy and affordable. We believe it will provide a much-needed solution to the digital divide.”
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The machine runs the Linux Mint operating system, powered by Eldy software, a package developed by Italian company Vegan Solutions. The software limits itself to only the most basic tasks and, according to the firm, is virtually immune to security threats that affect other systems.
“For some time now, we have been aware of the need among older people for a simpler type of computer,” said Valerie Singleton, director of Discount Age. “A large number of 50 pluses only require email, internet, a writing package, perhaps a means of storing or viewing pictures and a facility to chat. We don’t need the bells and whistles that modern computers offer – we just need something that’s simple to use and reliable. And this is not just true for older people. There are plenty of people under 50 who are terrified of currently available computers.”
Desktop prices start at £299.99, while a complete package including screen, keyboard, mouse and speakers costs from £435.99. Each machine is built to order and comes with simple set-up instructions and a manual reproducing the video tutorials.
And the first issue inside the first week of them owning one of these when it appears on the tech support desk is..."how do I install iTunes". Like every other Linux machine they are a great concept for simple and cheap. Yet real world it happens over and over again, what people say they want, and what they really want are not the same.
Rather expensive too.
And it’s not much use selling a £300 desktop without a screen and mouse and keyboard to people that don't own a PC already.
I think the second question will be how do I install itunes, the first will be what do I do with this box?
There's a program called Rhythmbox, it supports iPods out the box. Stop Linux hating and actually try it! Been 100% on Linux for 2 years now and haven't had 1 issue. Everything just works... oh yea, haven't had a virus or any other windows issue! Linux of today isn't the same that it was 3 or 4 years ago. Try Linux Mint for a great beginner (to advanced) OS.
"I think the second question will be how do I install itunes"
I think that would be your next question, not that of some over 50 year old who has never owned a computer before, let alone an ipod.
How patronising, so over 50 means you have no idea how to use a PC. Maybe she hasn't but I know of 70 & 80 yr olds that can run rings round some of us.
You mean those who taught me how to use a soldiering iron to build 4 and 8 bit computers in the mid 70s?
What a ridiculous idea! We may be older, but we are not senile. Its just a marketing ploy that will fail. The elderly look for the same, if not more than many others, especially if the elderly are retired because they have time on their hands. I'm 72, and most of those that I know are computer savvy to some degree even if they don't own one. Plenty use the free facilities of the public libraries. Others have access to thos of friends or relatives, and still other that don't WANT to use them, because they had enough of them at work, and have other things to do to occupy them. Besides, What is being offered is hardly a bargain. I have Linux and Windows, and use both, but I think Windows is easier to use.As for referring to people over 50 as elderly,I agree with John at 56.46pm. How patronising, and how out of touch Valerie Singleton is. My elder sister just had her 74th birthday and can teach someone like her the basics in around half a day.I would dispute her figures too. Where did she get them from?
The 'elderly' want just the same as others who mainly use their PCs for Leisure...They want an up to date PC OR laptop, fast, big hard drive, web cam, headset etc. DVD/CD burner and a decent size screen for a start.As for paying £435 for the type of described package, that is ridiculous too.Most people on here could build and sell much better for much less, AND maintain them. I know I could because THAT is what I do!
Have to go now. My 88 year old uncle in Perth, Australia wants to play chess with me, but I know that betwen moves he will be boasting about the new web pages he has built. Give it a rest Valerie. You should spend your time looking for a different job.
What's ITunes? I want something that will pre-chew my food for me and change my diaper!
Seriously, you ought to change the "over 50" parts to "senior citizens who are not particularly computer literate", and let the readership define for themselves what age group that might include, otherwise I think it's a grand idea!
I think this is absolutely brilliant. My 80 year old mother is very keen to use a computer, especially for Skype and e-mail contact with her children overseas, but has been in awe of the technology. We will be getting her one very soon! To those poeple who think it is condescending - you obviously either don't have need of it and/or are unconcerned about people who will benefit from it!
My dad (76 y.o.) taught me mechanics, carpentry, building etc. and now I'm in a position to teach him about computers. We start with the best tools first; Debian Linux on a high-end machine. He is making his own designs in CAD, he's selling auto items through forums. I figure the best way in, for him, is to do what interests him. All he needs is a little bit of support.
The Internet, in particular, is no simple subject. Nobody will be able to teach him about computer security unless they also cover the required "user processes" (updates, spam, phishing, I.D theft, aliases, passwords, etc.), in an open way.
In using free & transparent tools, such as Linux, a high-end machine & a little trusted support, he has the best chance of getting a good education.
Good Initiative!
"Aimed to address the fact that only around half of over-50s have access to a computer and the internet", it seems to be a very fine product that Valerie Singleton is promoting. The two main features are the video tutorials and a virus-free computer. The price seems ok to me - you can easily pay 1000 USD for a new pc with a screen and wireless keyboard and mouse.
Obviously the product is meant for people who only want to use the Internet and write some text occasionally. But isn't that what most of us use our computer for in 90% of the time, besides gaming?
Let people get started with a computer. After a few years, if they want to, they can buy a bigger pc and add more software. The money they save by not having to buy anti-virus-software will help them in this :-)
I don't understand the negative comments. If your mom or dad have been using a computer for the last twenty years and are acquainted with it, then fine, let them stay with what they have. Valerie Singletons computer is obviously for elderly beginners, and from the description it seems to me she has a great product.
i must remember this during the week :) as i am now over 50,most people around here, have had a pc for years now, and were brought up on dos 6.22 any new pc ,is old hat tomorrow,and out of date Friday keep them comming ,but keep the price so we can try them out to....
