E-Government has become one of the most important applications of civilized societies due to the significant benefits provided to the citizen. It is one of the most important technological tools that contribute to the dissemination of information, construction and development of societies. Illiteracy has become now measured over computer use of communities. This standard refers to the progress of Western societies, for the large proportion in the use of computers among its members. When the usage of the citizen of these technological tools is skilful and familiar, more impressive results are achieved in terms of the accuracy of the information, privacy and reduction of cost by lowering the perpetuation of information and maintenance of machines.
The e-government is created to facilitate the transactions of citizens and alleviate the burdens as a result of government institutions divergent review of needs to complete life necessities for the citizen's life, such as issuance of an ID card or hospital admission or being exposed to a road accident. Therefore, the citizen must be ready also to interact with this modern technological tool in terms of following the correct contexts in dealings and the use of appropriate tools as the failure of most applications is due to the unawareness of the citizen as regards proper use. Most of the applications in the past depended on the specialists in entering and processing information while now the dealing of the ordinary citizens with technology is part of their daily lives such as withdrawal from ATM machines, booking airline tickets and hotels. The applications of the e-government include all the citizens and if any one tampers with the controls that govern the approved usages this would impact everyone else. Therefore the citizen plays a great role in making any of the technology tools useful or not through complete awareness of the tools used. The citizen is the main factor in making any of the technologies tools to be benefited from as much as possible and optimally. The e-government is considered one of the most important information technology tools nowadays and citizens must possess the complete knowledge about it, its objectives and how to benefit from it. In order to get well acquainted with the applications of the e-government, its usage and how to maximize benefits provided by such applications the following points can be followed:
1- Familiarity with technological tools used with e-government, the internet for example.
2- Develop the skills required to handle the tools of the e-government.
3- Understanding and complete awareness on how and when the e-government can be used in solving problems or creating an opportunity.
4- The publications and instructions of the institutions which are part of the applications of the e-government.
As well, the citizens must be educated and advised on how to use the e-government through seminars and workshops, the use of media in revealing the matters of interest to the citizens. Not only by advertising, but through the services available in order to use them the best way possible and also through awareness booklets and courses that explain how to use the e-government.
* Say Yes to e-Government e-Magazine, No. 9, Kingdom of Bahrain, 15/1/2009