Computer and Internet Basics
What it is
Section titled “What it is”Using a computer and phone — typing, searching, saving files, and getting around the internet.
Why it helps you
Section titled “Why it helps you”These skills are now required for jobs, school, and services. The good news: they’re very learnable.
This opens up
Section titled “This opens up”Online safety, school, and most jobs.
Where to get help
Section titled “Where to get help”Learn at your own pace, for free
Section titled “Learn at your own pace, for free”DigitalLearn Short videos with a calm voice that walk you through using a computer, the internet, and email. Made by the Public Library Association. It works well on a phone.
- Cost: Free
- Who can use it: Anyone.
- How to start: Open the site and pick a beginner course, like computer basics or email basics.
- Good to know: You need internet. You do not need an account. You can make one if you want to save your progress. In English and Spanish.
Northstar Digital Literacy Short online check-ups that show what computer skills you have and which ones to work on next. Run by Literacy Minnesota, a nonprofit.
- Cost: Free to try the check-ups online.
- Who can use it: Anyone.
- How to start: Open the site and choose a check-up, like “Basic Computer Skills” or “Email.” You can do them without an account.
- Good to know: To earn a certificate you can show an employer, you take the test at a Northstar location, like some libraries or adult schools. Ask your library if it is one.
Talk to a real person
Section titled “Talk to a real person”Senior Planet Tech Hotline A free phone line where patient helpers answer any tech question. “How do I set up email?” is a fine question. Run by Senior Planet from AARP.
- Cost: Free
- Who can use it: Made for people 60 and older.
- How to start: Call 888-713-3495. Say what device you have and what you are trying to do.
- Good to know: Open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time. You do not need to be an AARP member.
211 211 is a free, private phone line that connects you to local help. Many areas have free computer classes, cheap internet plans, or low-cost computers. 211 can tell you what is near you.
- Cost: Free
- Who can use it: Anyone in the US.
- How to start: Dial 2-1-1 on any phone. Say, “I want free computer classes or help getting cheap internet or a computer near me.”
- Good to know: What is offered depends on where you live. Low-cost computer programs often ask for a photo ID and proof of low income.
If you only do one thing first
Section titled “If you only do one thing first”Go to your nearest public library and ask the front desk, “Can I use a computer today? I’m just learning.” Many libraries give a guest pass if you don’t have a library card or ID yet. Then open DigitalLearn and start the first lesson. Librarians help beginners every day. You will not break anything.
Watch out for
Section titled “Watch out for”- Fake virus warnings. A pop-up may say your computer is infected and tell you to call a number. It is fake. Don’t call. Close the browser. If the screen is frozen, hold the power button until it turns off.
- “Tech support” calls you didn’t ask for. Real companies don’t call to say your computer has a problem. Hang up. Never let a stranger control your computer from far away.
- Paying to learn the basics. You don’t need a paid “computer course” to learn email, typing, or the internet. The free tools above cover it.
- Public computers forget everything. When your library time ends, the computer often wipes your files. Save your work to your email or a cloud drive before time runs out. Always sign out of your email.