The British Computer Society (BCS) has introduced a new skills programme designed specifically for technophobes.

The new BCS EqualSkills course is a short programme that aims to show newcomers to IT the very basics of computing from learning how to switch on a computer, use a mouse to exploring the internet for the latest weather updates.

It will cover four topics: computer basics; introduction to the desktop; world wide web and email, with candidates progressing at their own pace through an EqualSkills workbook.

Learners are to be assessed in stages and get a certificate on completion.

The course is designed a s a first step in computing, with candidates then encouraged to move on to the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) qualification.