UK online centres and Microsoft Partnership

UK online centres are working in partnership with Microsoft in two projects: the Digital Literacy Curriculum and the Software Donation Scheme.

The Microsoft Software Donation Scheme

Because technology is such an important tool for people, Microsoft is also working with UK online centres to get the latest technology out to some of the most deprived communities in England. Microsoft will provide one of the largest software donations to qualifying UK online centres based in the voluntary and community sector. By June 2009 more than £21m of software had been donated.

The Microsoft Digital Literacy Curriculum

Part of Microsoft's Unlimited Potential commitment, the Microsoft Digital Literacy curriculum is a free, easy-to-access course, available online for individuals seeking to develop basic computer and technology skills. The course comprises five easy-to-navigate modules which learners will be able to complete in their own time and at their own pace:

• Computer Basics will introduce learners to the fundamentals of computing, explaining the components of a computer and exploring how to use basic operating systems.
• Learners will be shown the ins and outs of The Internet, finding out everything from browsing web pages and navigate web sites to using search engines and exchanging emails.
• Productivity Programmes providing information on the fundamentals of word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software and databases to use in business, education and at home
• Digital Lifestyles will introduce learners to digital technologies and how to manage their photographs, videos and music.
• Computer security and privacy will help build confidence in computing by explaining the risks and threats to computer security and privacy so that learners will be able understand and prevent them.
• The Digital Literacy Curriculum is available in 29 languages.