Microsoft to launch PC for OAPs

In partnership with charity organisations such as Age Concern, the UK division of Microsoft is putting together a PC aimed at older users, which will come loaded to simple to use software for uses including managing prescriptions or storing photos.

The program has similarities with a joint Microsoft and HP initiative in the US, offering ‘senior PCs.’

In partnership with Milton Keynes council, the PC will be given to a thousand households, which will be moved up to 10,000 gradually.

"Reaching most of the final third will mean that we have to throw out the rule book. We will only solve these issues by taking risks and trying new things," said Microsoft’s head of skills and economic affairs Stephen Uden, explaining the firm’s plans to get more people computer literate. "Some of the projects we are working on will work, others will fail.”

The system is expected to arrive within a year.