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Hajar Javaheri talks to Tara Palmer-Tomkinson

Tara Palmer-Tomkinson

Presenter, writer, it girl, singer... Tara Palmer-Tomkinson has many strings to her bow, but for all the photos plastered across magazines and Sunday papers, she's never pictured with her eyes glued to a computer screen.

She claims her relationship with technology is fraught with issues, but presumably she didn't scratch her first novel onto a wax tablet? I interviewed her about how she incorporates technology into her life and how she's gained confidence using computers.

What are your first memories of computers?
My first memory was my father having one in the office. We all thought it was a robot, but it was actually a Commodore 64. I'd spend hours playing games like Frogger and Space Invaders.

How would you describe yourself when it comes to computers and technology?
Goodness, technology and I are a complete match made in hell, but I'm a sucker for gadgets. I have them all - the most recent iPad and iPhone - but I just can't work them. I'm a fast learner though once I get going. I've never really been into computers and only got a personal email address a year ago. Shocking, I know!

Why don't you feel particularly confident with technology?
Because I'm an old fashioned traditional English girl and I still miss the fact of taking photographs to be developed and sending handwritten letters. I love the romanticism of all that, but I suppose you have to move with the times.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to get online but lacking the confidence?
Tablets are a great way to get into technology, because they're fun and easy to use and definitely help your confidence. I couldn't live without my iPad. I love being able to carry it around - it feels like a toy really, rather than like I'm using a computer. There are lots of other tablet computers around now. I love being able to navigate using a touch screen. It makes the whole experience far more intuitive for me.

What do you use your tablet for?
I use it for everything, from watching movies to looking at the latest fashions, although I mainly use it for emails and music.

Are you on Twitter or Facebook?
There is a fake Tara on Facebook and I am on Twitter but I have a rule that I only reply to people and never divulge personal details. I'm definitely not a 'tweet freak'.

What attracts you to a website?
I tend to check out sites on the advice of others and what people tell me about them. It all depends on the information I'm after and what I can find on them. If they're easy to navigate that's a big bonus!

What other sorts of technology do you incorporate in your life?
I love technology that makes my life easier, but I don't really understand any of it. My house is full of cinematic projectors and plasma TVs and touch button light dimmers. A fantastic company in Dubai have helped me kit out my whole house, so things happen at the touch of a button.

What's the best thing about being online?
You feel like you are connected to everything in the world and like you've got your finger on the pulse. There is a whole world out there that you have access to at the touch of a button - and everything is 24 hours. I love it!

Hajar is a regular contributor to the WebWise blog and has also made award-winning programmes for ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio. In her spare time she loves reading, writing and singing.