Website of the UK government

Five good reasons to get online

The chances are that you know someone who’s not online. Over a third of the UK population doesn’t use the internet - which means millions are missing out on its benefits.

Getting online can also save time, money and hassle. For example:

• email can be a great way of staying in touch with family and friends, even if they’re on the other side of the world
• price comparison websites can help identify savings on household bills
• banking online can save queuing up on the high street
• the internet can be a huge help when you're finding and applying for jobs
• there’s a vast range of information to help students with their research, and kids with their homework

Give the internet a go at a UK online centre

UK online centres are a great place for beginners to get started using a computer and the internet. There are over 6,000 centres across England - all staffed by people ready to offer help and advice. Many started out as visitors to UK online centres - so they understand beginners’ concerns.

If you know someone who could do with help getting started online, tell them to get in touch with their nearest UK online centre.

They can find out where it is by calling free on 0800 77 1234 - or you can look it up by following the link below.

• Find your nearest UK online centre Opens new window

Extra help with using computers

If your friend or family member has a disability or learning difficulty, some UK online centres have extra facilities to help them use computers - such as wheelchair access or technology that can read text on a computer screen out loud.

Call 0800 77 1234 to find out if your nearest UK online centre has these facilities. If not, there may be another centre nearby that can help.

• Accessible technology products (disabled people section)

Getting confident online with myguide

myguide is a learning tool created specially to help novices learn to use the internet. It can be used at a UK online centre, or at home.

myguide includes:

• a tutorial on the basics of using a computer keyboard and mouse
• a simple tool for searching online
• free, easy-to-use email
• a 30-minute, step-by step guide to internet safety for beginners - covering how to protect yourself against viruses, spam and online fraud

• myguide Opens new window

Already mastered the basics? Improve your skills

If you'd like to develop your computer skills there are courses for beginners and beyond, ranging from free online learning to training which leads to a qualification.
 
Your nearest UK online centre could be an ideal place to improve your knowledge. There’s always plenty of expert advice on hand, whether you’re looking to learn how to use a digital camera or get help starting a short, informal course.

You can also search online for other courses and local colleges, or arrange for a learning adviser to call you back with information.

• Improving your computer skills (education and learning section)

• Find a course near you (do it online section)

• Book a free call back from a learning adviser Opens new window

Making family life easier online

Getting online can bring particular benefits for parents. Knowing your way around the internet can help you supervise what your child is doing while they're using the computer, or suggest sources of information for their homework.

There’s also plenty of useful information on the internet. On Directgov, for example, you can find out about childcare and schools in your area, apply for a school place and check term dates.

• Choosing a school (parents section)

• Find out school term dates (parents section)

• Helping your child to learn (parents section)

More useful links

• Be secure online

• Staying safe online (young people section)

• Internet use and computer training for over 50s (pensions and retirement planning section)

• Accessible technology (disabled people section)