Get Your Granny Online!

More silver surfers than ever are getting online. Here's some cheap ways you can join in and reap the benefits of being web savvy...

When you think of technology and the internet, what springs to mind? Young people? The iPod generation kitted out with the latest gadgets?

Well, you'd be wrong.

Recent studies suggest that when it comes to surfing the web, the over 55s are claiming an increasing slice of the internet pie.

Indeed during the 12 months from October 2006, the share of the UK internet population made up by under-25s dropped from 29% to 25%, according to research by Neilsen. What's more, those aged 55 and over increased their share from 16% to 19%. Data from Hitwise suggests that those aged 55+ are soon set to overtake 35-44 year olds as the age group with the largest representation online.

So, whether you're a new silver surfer looking to set sail on your maiden web voyage, or a younger relative looking for easier ways to keep in touch with your parents or grandparents, here's some reasons why it's good to get online...

Shop Till You Drop

Firstly, you could potentially save hundreds of pounds by ditching the high street and getting online.

Here's a quick look at some current hot products, and how the recommended retail price (RRP) compares to prices at online powerhouse Amazon:

As you can see, shopping online saves a massive £215.03 on these four items alone.

Plus, if you don't fancy going out to shops, or getting out is difficult for you, online shopping has the added convenience of the goods being brought straight to your doorstep, often at no extra charge.

And don't forget that with Amazon, if the price of your purchase goes down within 30 days, you can always claim the difference back.

You can also often find great exclusive online deals on products such as gas, electricity and insurance.

For example, silver favourite Saga offers drivers a 20% discount just for purchasing your car insurance online. Saga also claims that you could save up to a third off your quote for the first year when you take out a home insurance policy on the net.

Ditch The Paper, Save The Planet

Companies are increasingly willing to offer financial incentives if you're willing to view your bills solely online.

For example, BT offers a £1.25 per month discount to customers who switch to paperless billing (£15 over a year).

That may not sound like that much, but as more and more companies are offering incentives like these, you could save yourself a packet by switching to online billing.

Surfing For Savings

These days, internet banking is becoming the norm, and because of this, the most competitive savings accounts are now often found on the web.

According to Moneyfacts, five of the top ten instant access savings accounts without penalty can only be operated online.

Top pick Kaupthing Edge pays a catch-free interest rate of 6.5%, and guarantees that the interest rate will be at least 0.30% higher than the Bank of England base rate until 1st February 2012.

The nearest non-web alternative is Abbey's Instant Access Saver, which also pays 6.5% and allows the account to be operated in branch.

However, the account comes attached with a 1% bonus which expires after 12 months, plus you must open the account online.

PC Freebies

So, the potential savings are clear, but you have to remember that if you aren't already equipped with a PC, you will need to fork out for one - or will you?

Laptops are increasingly being given away with both mobile and broadband contracts, so if you're considering getting a PC for the first time, or are looking to get one for an older relative, bagging a free laptop may provide a good starting point.

For example, Carphone Warehouse is currently offering a free ACER laptop (RRP £299) when you take out selected mobile contracts costing £30 or more per month.

The deal looks good on paper, but remember you will have to fork out at least £540 in line rental over the 18 month period you are committed to (£13.38 if you take away the cost of the laptop).

Elsewhere, mobile firm 3 have several laptop deals at PC World, which allow you to choose between a free basic model or a discount of up to £350 off a range of alternatives. This includes Apple's slick Macbook Air, which you can bag for the bargain price of £949.

In order to qualify, you have to commit to a 18 month broadband dongle contract costing £35 a month, which includes 3GB of data and 200 free texts from your laptop.

Alternatively, AOL are giving away a free Hewlett Packard laptop when you sign up to their Wireless Plus Plan, costing £19.99 a month for speeds of up to 8Mbps.

Be aware that you have to commit to the deal for at least 24 months, so as with all the other deals mentioned, think carefully about whether you will actually need the mobile or broadband contract before signing anything.

If these deals don't entice you, Dell also makes great value computers, which you can build to your own specifications if required.

Ease Of Use

A concern one of my aunts had when she first got online was how user-friendly her computer would be.

Thankfully, PC usability has come a long way, and many operating systems will adapt to any impairments you may have.

You can magnify the screen on your PC or Mac by using the Ctrl button and the scroller on your mouse, or through the 'Display' feature via the control panel on your PC (or 'Universal Access' via 'System Preferences' on your Mac).

In addition, programs such as Windows Speech Recognition on Windows Vista means your computer can even do the typing for you.

So, whether you're online or not, one thing is clear -- PCs are quickly becoming an essential piece of kit in your home.

You may know someone who is daunted by the prospect of using a computer or the internet, but whether it's saving money on shopping, or keeping in touch with family, getting the hang of surfing the web will almost always pay dividends in the long run. 

More: How To Switch Broadband More Easily / Save £240 With A Broadband Bundle