[originaltext] The Internet computer system is helping many people start and

The Internet computer system is helping many people start and operate businesses. But to use the Internet, a person has to learn how to use a computer. A person also needs a telephone line or satellite connection. However, about half the world’s population has never even made a telephone call. And most poor people do not own a computer. For these people a "digital divide" exists.
    Two meetings were held in the United States to discuss what can be done. One was called the "Digital Dividends Conference." It was held in Seattle, Washington. Officials from large American information technology companies attended. Representatives from non-governmental organizations also attended.
    These people are working to make it easier for poor people to use the Internet. The head of Microsoft, Bill Gates, spoke at the meeting. Mr. Gates has given hundreds of millions of dollars to help people in developing countries fight diseases like malaria and AIDS. He said that people have to be healthy before they can use computers and the Internet.
    Another conference was held at the World Bank headquarters in Washington, D.C. It was called "Voices of the Poor." It was supported by the British Department for International Development. About 100 people from different organizations attended. They learned that many organizations around the world are using computers and the Internet to help reduce the dig ital divide.