THEY may not be ready to tackle Facebook or Instagram, but Vicki Salisbury and Elizabeth Gray are among the many Warwick U3A members learning their way around a computer.

Yesterday, the group focussed on transferring data from USBs to desktops and back again, and mastered the art of cutting and pasting.

"I think I'll have to keep practising," Mrs Gray said.

Mrs Salisbury said while she had had a computer for years, having specified lessons gave her the ability to surf the web confidently.

"It's empowering and makes you more competent," she said.

Both ladies were conquering the email-realm and said they loved how easy it made keeping in touch with family and friends.

"It's really good for our grandchildren so they can practice with their spelling when they reply too," Mrs Gray said.

As for social networking, the pair agreed they weren't planning on jumping into the social-sphere just yet.

The U3A computer skills class was made possible by a $2000 grant from the Optus Community Grants Program, aimed to help 30 senior citizens with their computer skills.

Warwick U3A president Arthur Maynard said the grant program helped them meet their aspirations of the next generation of retirees, and enabled them to engage with each other on a social level, while developing skills and interests linked to current technology.

"Interest in the course far exceeded our expectations," Mr Maynard said.

"To satisfy demand for our training program, U3A is currently conducting three courses and has a waiting list for the next series which will commence in July.

"We are planning to run more advanced classes using popular computer programs later this year."

Optus Associate director of corporate social responsibility Helen Maisano said Computer skills were becoming more important to our everyday lives.

"While this is something many of us take for granted, U3A Warwick's computer course addresses a growing need by those who are not so computer-savvy to understand and incorporate technology into their daily lives," Mrs Maisano said.

"Optus sees a real community benefit by investing in this course which helps our senior generation gain confidence using computers and connect in ways they haven't been able to before."

If you'd like to join a future course, email u3awarwick@ hotmail.com.