Lack of computer access a major hurdle for the poor

Throughout the nation, a stark divide separates those with access to computers and computer training, and those without. For low-income Americans, it's akin to being stuck yelling out a window to communicate while everyone else is using the phone.

Overall, 90 percent of Americans making between $50,000 and $74,999 are online, according to a study released by the Pew Research Center in April. For those making more than $75,000 annually, it's 97 percent. Among Americans who make less than $30,000 a year, however, just 62 percent are online. And, only 43 percent of people without high school diplomas use the Internet, compared with 94 percent of people with college degrees.