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Getting friendly with technology These days it can be hard to keep up with technology. Everything moves so fast that unless you stay tuned in, new developments can pass you by. Just over ten years ago, the internet was a barely used resource and mobile phones were rarely used by anyone other than for business purposes. Now, we have smart phones that have more memory and processing power than early computers, and we are connected to the internet and others through every device or platform we use. Everything from music to movies has gone digital.
Try out the BBC’s Give an Hour website, dedicated to getting you started online. They have information and resources specially designed to help you get the most out of your computer and the internet, and will even help you find someone to help you if you need it!
Click on the logo above to learn more about ‘Give an Hour’.
Start with the basics Everyone learns at different speeds, and everyone has a different level of knowledge about technology. Remember that if you want to use the internet, you have to know how to switch your computer on first!
So, if you’d like an introduction about how to make the most of your online experience, follow our simple tips below!
Ask for help Ask a friend or relative to show you the basics of what you want to learn. Whether it’s keeping in touch with your family through email, catching up on your favourite TV shows or sending text messages online, an internet-savvy pal will be able to help you get exactly what you want from technology.
You might have worries about learning to use technology, but don’t let these get in the way of the fantastic resources at your fingertips. Remember that it’s okay to feel scared, but try to keep in mind what you could achieve by trying something new.
What do you want to learn about? Having a reason behind learning about digital technology and the internet makes it a lot easier to start using it! Don’t just learn about the internet for the sake of it instead, remember that it is a platform designed to help you learn about the things you are interested in! Try writing a list of your hobbies before you start – that way you’ll have to something to use the internet for.
If you are feeling overwhelmed by the amount of new terms you are learning, why not try this handy jargon buster, which will explain what everything means in clear, easy language. Click on the link or the picture on the right to learn more.
Start with the basics Everyone learns at different speeds, and everyone has a different level of knowledge about technology. Remember that if you want to use the internet, you have to know how to switch your computer on first! For a full range of resources designed to take you to from technophobe to tech-savvy, visit the BBC’s First Click website.