People are scared of new things, we should have just taken an existing product and put a clock in it or something.

I'm sure that percentage will continue to go down as the generation that was around prior to home computers fades out and the young generation of children grow up who are exposed to computers in the elementary schools.

My Grandpa says he doesn't want to use his computer at home for e-mail or anything else. He figures it would be too much work to really learn it and he has no use for it because he won't be around that much longer he figures. He has used it just a couple times but that's all. He's 88 so I can understand his reluctance. My parents are slowly learning their computer but aren't familiar at all with the internet as all they use is free Juno internet access on the rare occaisions that they need some information. Most of the time they call me and ask me to find it for them.

I remember describing to my parents what a 5 1/4 floppy looked like because they'd never seen one before. Granted we had a computer in our home by 1986 which was pretty early on but they have learned slowly.

My daughter on the other hand is 3 1/2 and uses the computer and internet more than I do some days. I never realized how many links and buttons had symbols instead of pictures until I watched her navigating with them. Learning the computer early on is probably the biggest key to encouraging people to use the computer. It will increase as my daughter's generation grows up. By the time she's entering the work force I wouldn't be surprised if the percentage of people who don't know how to use a computer is almost miniscule.

should see france...almost no on there has it in their own homes..all go to pc rooms

I was just thinking about this thread this morning when I saw in the paper that 75% of Americans have internet access at home now. Kind of ironic that this thread was dug up already so I didn't have to search for it.

There is nothing on the internet that I need that I can't get access to some other way. Yes, it is a convenience at times, but it is largely just a means for me to entertain myself and is no more necessary than television. In many way, I think my life would be better without either of these. Like most of you, I waste a lot of my life staring at one screen or the other rather than getting out and doing things. If people don't want the internet, I say more power to them. Life exists outside of these mediums and I think that a lot of people are missing out on it these days.

Hahahaha.

A new internet-led study shows that 99% of Americans use a computer, with 1% "not sure".

I think it is a good thing these people aren't online. As it is, too many of the people online shouldn't be here.

When I got on in 1991, there was no spam. The level of intelligence of people online was MUCH HIGHER, and it was more fun. The main problem with opening up the Net to the unwashed is that they might actually come in.

I applaud this if it's true.
The internet is fast becoming a haven for idiotic conspiracy theories, disinformation,propaganda and b.s. rhetoric from people with weird prejudiced and biased agendas.

The internet is great for valid research from well respected sites such as Universities and Medical Institutions.
It's a wealth of good information.
A virtual infinite library at your fingertips.

Other than that, it's a cesspool inundated by overly opinionated morons. They usually have little knowledge or any actaul experience of what they talk about. Most are usually condescending , insulting and derogatory.
The internet chat rooms are full of biased prejudiced ignorant morons.

This news is great.

Outside of the porn, there is just so much in the net I couldn't live without. First of all, there is more baseball information than I could ever hope to cover and more importantly, it's a way to really stay informed about political issues. Watching TV and reading the newspaper you get the version of the story that "they" want you to see. You can get much more of the story and the issues in general on the net.

now that's funny!

The internet is a lot more than just porn.

I use it all the time to read about the stock market, or quick news updates at work, or questions that i might have.

I also use it all the time at work to source products. Google is your friend.

My dad however, has never even turned on a computer in his life and never will.

One of my best friends is a highschool english teacher and is terrified of computers and never uses them unless she has absolutely no choice, and then she comes to my house and asks me how to save a file.

What exactly are they afraid about?

Well I used it the first time in 97. I was clueless the first few times but as I grew to use it more often it was so easy to use. Just push the button and click on the IE button..

I see a lot of comments about ignorance and fear.

I know quite a few people who make a delberate decision not to use the Internet. Not because they're afraid or ignorant. They claim to be "bored" with it and find other esoteric ways to entertain themselves.

For the most part, I think these avant garde idiots are just too stupid to operate the necessary equipment to access the Internet, but a few of them I think really believe what they're saying.

Is 42% of America very, very old?

My grandma doesn't use the internet. My mom doesn't. They are older people.

Everyone else does. Even Bob Villa and the Aemish use the Internet.

why should they go online? SSDD

The sad thing is that there are a LOT of people who would get stressed out over trying to do that.

That is a lot. I should take a look around me.

I dont see how the 42% is true. I think the number is actually a bit smaller. I dont know how many people of all ages I have helped get online. It never took me long to explain the basics to get them going on their own. I have noticed that the older generation usually does not use what we would considered normal terms for some things. One gentleman even calls email addresses online number. but other than odd names for things I ahve yet to encounter someone who couldnt pick it up in a few hours of basic instruction on how to use a computer and how to navigate the web.

look at the sample they used...