Access to everyday technology like an Internet-connected PC is a luxury often taken for granted, but there are still a great deal of folks who have no idea how to perform even the simplest of tasks on a computer – like getting online.

Regardless of whether they don't have an allowing income, or simply don't see the need for such technologies, people who don't have a PC with Web access are missing out on a much more efficient, practical lifestyle.

Computers serve as a seemingly infinite outlet for entertainment purposes – that's a given. But fun and games aside, it's gradually becoming a requirement for nearly every line of work that the respective employee has certain proficiency in basic technological applications.

Connected Texas realized the importance of the Web in everyday life and set out to create a solution that would bring these services to as much of the state as possible. In collaboration with Intel (News - Alert) and the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC), the organization put the Every Community Online program into action.

Every Community Online aims to educate the less tech-savvy citizens of Texas on the basics of using computers and the Internet, as well as provide less fortunate families with discounted broadband connectivity. 

“One million, four-hundred thousand Texas adults say a lack of digital skills and knowledge of how to use a computer and broadband is the main reason they don’t have broadband at home,” said Don Shirley, Executive Director at Connected Texas. “The ECO program promises to change that by offering Texans a free way to learn life-changing digital skills through their local library and then be rewarded with discounted broadband services and a chance at a free computer.”

The price of broadband alone could be the determining factor in a lot of people's decisions to go without the service; if they don't see it as a necessity, “paying $70 a month for Internet” isn't exactly on top of the to-do list. If they could get those same services at a fraction of the cost though, it might spark their interest a little more.

For the remaining citizens who just don't know what to do, light training on the subject could definitely clear up some of the confusion and anxiety initially uassociated with the technology. Who knows – they might actually enjoy themselves in the process and decide to take the leap to the online world.