Are you in need of a computer? Or know someone who desires access to the internet at home? If this is the case you might be interested in a scheme called "get online @ home" designed to make computer systems available and accessible.
If you receive DLA or other eligible benefits, then £99 can buy you a refurbished desktop computer designed to handle every day computer tasks. If you are not in receipt of benefits then the cost will be £149.
If you prefer something portable, laptops are available for £169 if you have one of the eligibility benefits, and £199 if you don't.
Note that Internet access is not included in the above prices, but can be purchased at the same time you buy your computer. Internet access costs from around £6.50 per month, with many providers offering introductory deals even cheaper than that.
You can purchase the £99 computer online via the Get Online @ Home website or over the phone on 03719 100 100 between 9am and 5pm from Monday to Friday.
Concerned about the call cost? Don't worry, because 03 numbers cost the same from anywhere in the country and from any phone.
Software and Specifications
All computers will have Windows 7 Home Premium, a keyboard and a mouse, and at least 1GB of memory and 40GB storage. The desktops will have a 15" monitor screen - this is quite small and won't be ideal for someone who needs much magnification.
Accessibility
The windows 7 Home Premium Edition contains built in accessibility features including: full screen magnification, voice recognition and optional narration which describes when notification and error messages appear on the screen.
The software listen below can be installed onto the machine ready for your use:
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NVDA - a screen reader for blind and partially sighted people.
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MyVisBar - a floating tool bar which contains six different resources for people with visual difficulties.
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Big Calculator - a large calculator which you can use both with your mouse and with the number keys on the keyboard.
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Dwell Clicker - allows you to use your mouse without having to click any buttons
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My Study Bar - a tool designed to help students over come the difficulties of dyslexia but it contains features which can help the accessible learning of all users.
More information on the £99 computer can be found by visiting the Get Online @ Home website.
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