Help with computers and the internet

Where to go

UK Online Centres offer you a range of basic IT courses. Our Employment Links Centre, most libraries and some community centres are UK Online centres. You can find your nearest UK Online Centre or a list of libraries.

Why get help?

Getting online simply means you are using the internet and there are a million reasons for doing it. Knowing how to use a computer and the internet can help make life a lot easier by saving you time, money and hassle.

Whether you’re looking to get online for a new job, to help kids with their homework, to stay in touch with family and friends or to do your weekly shop, UK Online centres and myguide can help you gain the skills and confidence you’ll need to get started.

You’ll find a range of free and easy to use courses. There are courses on loads of subjects, from starting with a keyboard and mouse, to email, understanding shopping online and much more!

Online jobs and online services packages can teach you some great online skills that will really benefit you in finding a job or saving time, money and hassle online.

Help groups and events

If you are new to the Internet, or a bit nervous with computers, you may want to :

  • Speak to an Employment Links adviser on 01706 646471 to go on a course at the Employment Links Centre. 
  • Go to a drop-in sessions at a library where staff are available to provide help you get started.
  • Take advantage of events and activities in our libraries including "Silver Surfer" sessions.
  • Go to one of Middleton Library's regular Family History sessions.
  • Visit The Local Studies Centre at Touchstones, Rochdale. It has frequent Family History and Community History sessions.  

Other help

You can find a wide selection of books about computers and the internet at our libraries.

We've also found the following sites to be very useful:

  • Go-On - this is a complete e-learning guide to using and understanding computers and getting online.

The BBC has a few useful pages, including:

Just starting out?

Available in English, Arabic, Bangla, Polish, Somali and Urdu, First Steps On Your Computer is an introduction to computers.

Online security

Security is an important issue. We suggest you have a look at: