This page brings together a wide range of free resources to help you build confidence and improve your digital know-how. Whether you are a complete beginner or looking to develop workplace skills, you’ll find practical guides, video tutorials, and trusted learning platforms. From setting up email accounts and connecting devices, to exploring creative tools and preparing for the digital switchover, everything you need is here in one place.
- How to connect to Wi-Fi on Windows 11 (external link) - YouTube video
- How to connect to Wifi on a Samsung phone (external link) - YouTube video
- How to connect to Wi-Fi on an Apple phone (external link) - YouTube video
- How to create an email account
- How to set up emails on a Samsung phone or tablet (external link)
- How to set up emails on an Apple phone or tablet (external link)
- Doro Smartphone School (external link) – Learn how to use your new Doro Smartphone
- Hi Digital (external link) - A free digital skills course from Vodafone that helps people build confidence using technology. It covers topics such as smartphones, online services, staying connected, internet safety, and avoiding scams, with simple step-by-step learning and support available.
- Learn My Way (external link) - learn how to use your computer or device, browse and shop on the web, send an email, socialise, find work online and gain workplace skills. Suitable for absolute beginners
- iDEA (external link) - a great online learning platform for all the family to help expand digital awareness on a range of topics, including online safety, workplace tools and using social media.
- Barclays Digital Wings (external link) - courses to learn about all things digital
- Digital Her (external link) - offers inspiring stories, guides, and tools to help women and girls explore careers in technology and develop digital skills
- Borrowbox- apply for a library card and access ebooks, audio books and emagazines
- Alexa setup (external link) - the Alexa setup guide on Amazon provides step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to get your Alexa device up and running quickly and easily
- Video tutorial: Getting Started with Chromebook (external link) - YouTube video on how to set up your Chromebook
- Technology guides | Digital Unite (external link) - these guides are perfect for supporting others with digital skills or improving your own knowledge
- BBC Bitesize Dance Mat (external link) - learn to type with a fun game.
- Age UK: Making the most of the Internet (external link) - Information and advice to help you make sense of the internet. This information is designed for people who are already online but want to boost their confidence.
How to connect with friends and family
You can use your mobile phone number or email address to connect to loved ones through the following FREE apps.
List of free apps to connect with friends and family
| App | How to download/sign up | Support |
|---|
| Facebook - allows users who sign-up for free profiles to connect with people online, including friends, family and work colleagues. |
Sign up to Facebook on your computer (external link)
Download Facebook for Android mobiles (external link)
Download Facebook for Apple mobiles (external link).
|
Facebook Help Centre (external link) |
| Microsoft Teams - make free video and voice one-to-one and group calls, send instant messages and share files with other people. |
Download Microsoft Teams for your mobile phone, tablet or computer (external link) |
Training on how to use Teams (external link) |
| Zoom - a video communications app that allows you to set up virtual video and audio meetings, webinars, live chats, screen sharing, and other collaborative capabilities. |
Download Zoom for your mobile phone, tablet or computer (external link) |
Get help from the Zoom support centre (external link) |
| WhatsApp - send messages, pictures, videos and even voice recordings, as well as make voice and video calls over the internet. |
Download WhatsApp for your mobile phone, tablet or computer (external link). |
Beginners guide to using WhatsApp (YouTube) (external link) |
| FaceTime - video and audio chat app specifically for Apple devices. You can use FaceTime on your iPhone, iPad or Mac computer. |
The FaceTime app is already installed on Apple devices. The person you contact will also need to be on an Apple device. |
Use FaceTime with your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch (external link) |
Digital workplace skills
Looking for work or planning to change or develop your career? Here is a list of online courses and resources to help you upskill:
Digital switch over
The digital switchover is the UK-wide move from traditional analogue systems to modern digital technology. This change affects landline phones, TV broadcasting, and some connected services, making them faster, more reliable, and easier to maintain.
Digital learning for young people