Everyone knows that lack of internet access can reinforce the social and economic disadvantages already facing some older people. Recognising the divisive nature of digital exclusion, the government has invested 2.8 million British Pounds in Get Digital, a project that will enable sheltered housing residents to develop computer and internet skills. This article reports on findings from the initial focus groups with residents before they embarked on the learning programme. Residents describe their experiences of using technology, their attitudes towards technology and what they hoped to gain by developing computer and internet skills. The project is being managed and evaluated by NIACE. The learning programmes are provided by Digital Unite. Through the project, 196 sheltered housing schemes have received grants to purchase IT equipment, software and broadband access to the internet. Some have also purchased Nintendo Wii consoles to help residents improve their fitness. Each participating scheme is allocated a tutor who introduces residents to basic computer skills, such as emailing, word-processing and searching and staying safe on the internet. These initial sessions are followed by "expert supervisions" which are agreed between the tutor and the residents at each scheme. Scheme staff and tutors work together to identify community partners and peers who will provide ongoing support and mentor residents after the learning programme finishes.