libertus

There are people in the world who have never even seen a computer.
There are people in the world who have seen computers but have no idea how to use them.
These people are all over the world, of all ages, all cultures and all creeds.
They know no boundaries but one.
They are barred from here.
The internet.
Technology.

Imagine being barred from something so powerful, so wonderful, so easy because of something as simple as a keyboard, mouse and monitor. And it’s your fault for being stupid.

How would that make you feel?

Thus begins a revolution.

Libertus winks at Bellman and Cornz.

Anyone could be expected to put one hour’s effort into learning the basics of how to use a computer, with a guide, to find out what it can do for them and whether they like it.

A computer is a replacement for paper, television, radio, telephones, video recorders, music centres, shops, libraries and all those other things that make people feel lonely.

Additionally, a computer can help you feel connected with a world of people you share, some of whom share your interests and passions.

A computer does not need you to have a quick mind. It does nothing without your explicit command. Computers have infinite patience and no personality.

A computer does not need you to have vision, unless you want to see the pictures. Words are all you need.

A computer does not need you to have hearing, unless you want to listen to something. It can speak to you if you don’t want to read.

Finally, a computer does not require you to give up any of the things it replaces. It is just a way to bring them all together at your fingertips, your command and most of all, your pleasure.

The main thing a computer helps with is providing forms to fill in, helping you fill them in and rewarding your effort with something useful, possibly forever, possibly to share with others.

The next thing a computer helps with is information. Stuff you want to know about. Getting it. Getting around it. Sharing it with other people and other computers.

The best thing a computer helps with is making stuff happen. Using your imagination. Creating new things, organising your life, controlling your environment near and far, just for fun, sometimes for profit. Computers are the tools of a new craft, a new human trade. Computers offer us a heaven that is as alive as we are but with a much better memory and easier to comprehend.

Oh, and you can chat on computers, but no-one finds that at all interesting.

Keyboard

Letter, number and punctuation keys
Important keys
Special function keys
Position keys