Senior Citizens Want Broadband Internet, Australia and Eldy 2.0 Software to the Rescue

Article by George Norman (Cybersecurity Editor)

on 28 Nov 2008

Just because people are old(er) does not necessarily mean that they do not want to enjoy what you and I take for granted – surfing the web, browsing the Internet. The catch is that senior citizens are not exactly computer savvy and they need a little help in this department – queue Eldy v. 2.0.

Eldy is a free piece of software that will work on any Windows-based OS, as well as on Linux powered machines. This program has been specifically designed to be used by senior citizens and consequently features a very simple design, all the buttons are nice and large, and the mouse cursor has been super-sized and given a spot of color. With Eldy one can easily access a mail client, chat online, browse the web, and even browse the contents of the hard disk thanks to the file explorer entitled “Useful”. The only downside is that the software offers support only for two languages, English and Italian.

The Australian Government for example has taken the issue of senior citizens, and their requests to be able to access the Internet, very close to its heart. Over a period of three years, Australia will spend approximately $15 million as part of the “Broadband for Seniors” program. The goal of this program is to set up 2,000 Internet kiosks all over the Australian continent. Perhaps they might consider using Eldy PCs in these locations.

“We certainly know that more and more seniors do want to get online - some of them know that they need to improve their skills. That's what these internet kiosks are all about, helping them do that, this is [a] way for them to really follow their interests,” said Jenny Macklin, Federal Minister for Families and Community Services

If you would like to get Eldy, additional information is available here, and a download location is available here.


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