The generations of people which did not grow up with computers are gradually "gravitating to technology more and more", it has been claimed.

Co-founder and editor of Social Media Portal Rachel Hawkes said that the increasing proliferation of computers was due to the modernisation of business and social activities and society's integration of technology into all things popular or important.

However, Ms Hawkes noted there was a large amount of courses available to those still feeling out of touch with the developments in technology.

She added: "There are many services being run by organisations such as Age Concern throughout the country for individuals that aren't up to speed with technology."

Entertainment Media Research's 2008 Digital Entertainment Survey found that most people had internet access through their phone and another half had wireless networks at home - more than the number of people which had Freeview, satellite television or high definition TV sets.

More than half of small businesses (53 per cent) believe that the most important benefit of outsourcing is guaranteed response times for IT support. London-based Connect conducted the research in 2007.