Computer driving licence proves PC competence

I was amused by Hugh Rogers’ letter in Issue 505 (‘PC security: humans are the weakest link’). He suggests that people who use email at work should “get some sort of certificate of competency, no matter which hospital or organisation it might be”. He’s absolutely right, of course. And there is

just such a certificate – it’s the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL, http:// ecdl.org). The course comprises a general module and further modules that each address a tool in Microsoft Office. The Licence is awarded on successful completion of all modules.

Mind you, if someone is employed in a role requiring the use of email and access to the internet, their employer should ensure that they are competent. If necessary, they should be trained internally. Organisations have only themselves to blame if an employee makes unauthorised use of the internet or risks downloading a virus by opening links in emails or attachments. Jonathan C Smith