Disadvantaged

When I was a teacher teaching Information Technology, one small point we always discussed was people who lack basic technology, like e-mail or web browsing facilities.

I know there are many such people, some who say they cannot understand it, others who simply refuse to have such new fangled tech around. Why, I cannot say.

Plainly, these people are at some disadvantage. E-mail is a convenient way to communicate, Skype or an equivalent are usually easy enough to use and if you have family elsewhere, it’s a good way to keep in touch.

My aunt wrote me a letter the other day. Finding an envelope just to send her a reply was a real chore, and totally unnecessary if she had simple Internet facilities, but she doesn’t.

Not being able to order items on-line, taking advantages of the best prices, having stuff delivered can be tricky. This has been highlighted by the current virus lockdown. We are supposed not to go out unless it’s necessary. Every time you go out increases your risk of catching it. Order on-line and it will be delivered.

It’s not hard to get on-line, it’s not expensive and for many things these days t is essential.

If you know someone who would benefit from being connected, why not help them?

Scams

It’s very sad, though not surprising, that people are trying to take extra advantage of the virus lockdown with scams etc.

I am usually careful. The scam e-mail does not get opened. There was an attempt to fraudulently use my credit card details, but my bank blocked that.

I ordered a hard disk drive at nearly £200 through Amazon, not from them but from a marketplace seller. He (or maybe she) sent me a huge box with a piece of tat in. Seeing the reviews, in the past few days, plenty of others have been victims of the same scam.

Amazon are usually very good in dealing with these problems, and it is not their fault at all, but it is annoying. Don’t believe the good reviews – they could easily be fake.