Technology for Beginners
If you are new to using computers or the internet, we can help. Come to your Library for a one-to-one Tech Help session, or attend one of our technology classes. You can learn the basics of using computers and the internet, how to use email and more.
Beginning Technology Skills
Digital Learn - Short courses on topics and tasks such as computer basics, Facebook, online scams, buying a plane ticket, and Android devices. Videos are required for lessons, and closed captioning is available.
Digital Skills Library - An open repository of free learning resources designed to help all adult learners develop the digital skills needed to achieve their personal, civic, educational, and career goals.
GCF Learn Free - Over 200 tutorials on a wide range of technology topics from computer basics, to Microsoft Office, Mac, Google and more. Includes some tutorials in Chinese, Russian, Arabic, French, Norwegian, Bahasa Indonesia, Greek, Dutch, Polish, and Kyrgyz. Most lessons are video-based and sound is available only in English but closed captioning is available in most languages.
Grow with Google - Lessons organized by topics such as digital skills and general life skills, including Google Docs, and how to create a resume or business plan. Select “Browse Lessons” to filter to your interests. Lessons are video-based, and closed captioning is available.
Learn my Way - A UK-based site covering computer and internet basics, as well as common internet tasks. Registration is optional for those wishing to keep track of learning progress. Lessons are video-based; no closed captioning available.
Mousercise - Introduces beginning computer users to the “mouse” and “cursor” for navigating computer screens, with practice opportunities.
Northstar Digital Literacy - Video-based course on beginning computer skills. Video, image, and text based, with some closed captioning available.
Techboomers - A collection of online tutorials on common computer applications and popular websites and social media platforms, covering topics such as online dating, shopping, travel, and entertainment. Tutorials are text and image-based.
TechConnect - Free, virtual tech assistance for Washington residents via chat, email, or phone. Assistance provided in Spanish, Tigrinya, Afaan Oromoo, Amharic, Sidamo, Wolaytta, and English.
Typing Club - Provides tutorials and typing practice for beginning keyboard users. Registration is optional for those wishing to keep track of learning progress. Video-based; closed captioning available.
Tech Help
Learn how to get started on the internet, computers and other devices.
Meet with one of our staff members get up to an hour of one-on-one assistance with many technology issues and Library services. Learn how to use the Library catalog, request books and DVDs, download e-books and audiobooks, and use an e-reader. We can also help you get a free email address, master basic email, computer and internet skills, and learn how to use Microsoft Word.