Useful websites & software

The internet at home offers an endless world of opportunities. Access thousands of libraries worth of information, connect with friends and family and access amazing deals all from the comfort of your own home.

Keeping in touch

Keeping in touch with friends & family on the internet

Stay in touch with the people you care about most – email, Facebook, instant messenger and video calls are free and offers a wonderful way to communicate and keep up to date with friends and family overseas or across town
Useful websites & software

Hotmail - Website

Email - send and receive notes, letters and jokes over the web - it's a doddle

Facebook - Website

Share photos, video and news with the people you care about the most

Skype - Software

Make super-cheap or even free phone calls from anywhere in the world

Windows Live Messenger - Software

Chat in real time with friends and family

Entertainment and shopping

Entertainment & shopping

Save hundreds of £s a year - get access to internet only shopping, travel and entertainment deals
Useful websites & software

Online Music - Website

Listen to music in a totally new way, a bit like having a personal radio station

Ebay - Website

New and used goods from sellers all over the world

Amazon - Website

Books, electronics and more with next day delivery

Etsy - Website

Buy and sell all things handmade

Safety, Security and Privacy with your new computer

Safety, Security and Privacy with your new computer

Your new computer will be set up with three key protections in place:

  • Windows firewall, to protect your computer from unauthorized access
  • Microsoft Security Essentials, to block viruses, spyware and malware
  • Microsoft Updates, to ensure your protection is always up-to-date

Together, these services will help protect you from the technical threats any home computer faces. Here are some additional resources to help you and your family stay safe and protect your privacy online
Useful websites & software

Microsoft Safety and Security Centre - Website

A single location for all the safety and security related tools and advice from Microsoft. This site also has the latest news on how to best secure your computer for you and your family.

Microsoft online Family Safety advice - Website

Sites such as Channel 4's '4OD', BBC's iPlayer and ITV's Player all let you catch up with shows you've missed, at a time that is convenient for you

Online privacy and safety from Microsoft - Website

When you read email or surf the Internet, you should be wary of scams that may try to steal your personal information (identity theft), your money, or both. This site will show you how to recognize and report scams and how to protect yourself from them in the first place.

UK Safer Internet Centre - Website

Here you can find out the latest advice on how to use the internet and new technologies safely and responsibly. Also find a range of practical resources, news and events focussing on the safe and responsible use of the internet and new technologies.

Create strong passwords - Website

Strong passwords are vital for safe transactions on the web. This site will show you how to create a strong password or to check the strength of one you already have.

Windows Live Family Safety - Software

Family Safety is there to help keep children safe online. Use the built in activity reporting tools to monitor your kids' computer activity. Choose websites, games, and programs they can access. Even set time periods when they can use the computer.

Get Safe Online - Website

A joint initiative between the Government, law enforcement and the world of business. This website provides computer users and small businesses with free, independent, user-friendly advice that will allow users to embrace the internet confidently, safely and securely.

Think U Know - Website

Set up by the police team behind the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) centre, this is the place for children, parents, carers and teachers to find advice and tips for staying safe online.
People can also report abuse through the “Click CEOP” button which they can find on the Think U Know site

Childnet - Website

A not-for-profit which has produced ground-breaking resources and guides on issues such as cyber-bullying; parental advice; mobile chat and interactive services; social networking and information security.

Internet Watch Foundation - Website

The UK hotline for reporting criminal online content. Reports are confidential and can be made anonymously.

Accessibility

Accessibility

Accessibility software makes life easier for people who need assistance using a computer. Below are just some of the great accessibilty features that come included on your computer, but click here for a more comprehensive list.
Useful websites & software

Ease of Access Center - Software

Provides a centralised location where you can adjust your accessibility settings and programs and get recommendations for settings to make your computer easier to see, hear, and use.

Narrator - Software

Reads aloud on-screen text and describes some events (such as error messages appearing) that happen while you're using the computer.

Speech Recognition - Software

Command your computer with your voice including the capability to dictate documents and e-mail and surf the Web by saying what you see.

My Study Bar - Software

A tool designed to help students overcome the barriers associated with dyslexia - but offering benefits to all learners

NVDA - Software

A free screen reader for blind or visually impaired people - including support for over twenty languages

Dwell Clicker - Software

Allows you to use a mouse without pressing buttons

Learn more

Learn more

A wide range of online resources are available to help you get the most out of your computer, prepare for exams or even track your ancestry. All for free!
Useful websites & software

First Course - Website

Microsoft training resource to help provide absolute beginners with the first course they need to begin to use a computer

Microsoft Digital Literacy Curriculum - Website

Available free-of-charge to everyone wanting to improve their digital literacy skills. It is easy to follow and successful completion of the Digital Literacy curriculum prepares you to take a recognised qualification - the Digital Literacy Certificate

Beginners Guide - PDF File

BBC Beginners Guide to using computers and the Internet

Open University - Website

Online learning

First Click - Website

Great resource helping you to learn the basics and more!

BBC Bitesize - Website

Revision tips for big exams. Make learning fun!

Tripadvisor - Website

Make more informed travel decision with traveller reviews you can trust

Ancestry.co.uk - Website

Chart your family tree

Go-On Short Courses - Website

Great selection of free short course to help you get the most out of your experience online. Learn about Facebook, job hunting online and connecting to public services via your computer!

Internet Buttons - Website

Internet Buttons is a webtool that makes the Internet super easy for new or nervous users. You can set up a page of Internet Buttons for yourself or someone you know, making it personal and really easy to keep going back to sites and services needed or enjoyed. Every page of Internet Buttons is saved on its own URL that can be accessed from any computer, and can be edited or added to over time.

How Stuff Works - Website

A useful site for information and advice on how things work (including technology).

Find work

Find work

Discover thousands of employment opportunities, full, temporary or part-time, directly from your computer
Useful websites & software

Monster.co.uk - Website

Job seeking made easy

Age UK - Website

Technology training, CV and interview tips to help you find work and improve your prospects

Britain Works - Website

Get the training and certification needed to compete in today's technology driven workplace

Job Centre Plus - Website

Search and discover thousands of jobs made available every week

Get Online @ Home
is backed by

Get Online @ Home
is delivered by these partners

Get Online @ Home
is backed by these
Go ON UK partners