The value of a little friendly computer advice

One of the most striking aspects of the first batch of entries for our Home Computing Hero award is how greatly appreciated the help received from our nominees is.

It may seem odd to some that people would be so fulsome in their praise of a friend who helped them set up an email account, or open a web browser for the first time. Once these simple tasks have become second nature, perhaps we forget how intimidating a computer can seem to those who have never used them before.

But as our nominations clearly show, the advice given by Computeractive readers makes a big difference.

The first stories behind the nominations have now been published on our award site, including that of Liam Holding, whose volunteer work for St John Ambulance has played a big part in helping the charity get on with its important work in Merseyside.

Since we published Dave Carter's nomination, several more residents of his Willowbrook estate have come forward to add their support.

It has been good to see some local computer clubs get the recognition they serve, too, with clubs in Portland Island in Dorset, Launceston in Cornwall and Penarth in the Vale of Glamorgan receiving nominations.

At least one of those clubs has received a grant from the National Lottery and its local council for the purpose of buying equipment - we'd be very interested to hear if any other local clubs or societies, regardless of their interest, have received any kind of funding. And don't forget that there's plenty of time to nominate yourself, a friend or computer club for our award.

Find out more
Find out how to nominate yourself, a friend or relative, or a local computer group for our Home Computing Heroes award

Nominate a local business for our Business Hero award (business awards given to non profit-making schemes only)

Find out more about Home Computing Heroes 2011