Computer Skills

Do you feel comfortable using a computer or navigating the Internet? The links and resources below may be able to help you get started. Learn basic computer skills and tablet skills. Find easy instructions on surfing the Internet. Build your confidence using digital devices and navigating digital spaces!

Computer Skills

Links

  • ConnectSafely

    Get tips and advice on staying safe and secure on the Internet and staying clear of cyber attacks and viruses.
  • Digital Learn

    Training modules dedicated to topics as broad as using a computer for the first time, to job searching, to online safety and privacy.
  • GCFLearnFree

    View tutorials emphasizing technology skills for job training, continuing education, and Internet safety.
  • Generations on Line Tablet Help

    Tablet help for first time Android users with step-by-step guidance on how to use the device, navigate, and basic tools.
  • NorthStar Digital Literacy Assessment

    Build Your Skills with Northstar and grow your understanding of digital literacy topics with self-guided lessons on internet, email basics, and more.

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Blog Posts

Tech Talk: Digital Skills Classes for Adults

In partnership with Temple University College of Education and Human Development, the Free Library of Philadelphia is excited to announce a new free digital learning series: Tech Talk: Digital Skills for Adult Learners . The…

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Learn a New Language with Mango Languages

Do you want to learn a new language for career advancement, to speak to new acquaintances, feel more comfortable when traveling to a foreign country, understand foreign movies, or just exercise your brain? Our Mango Languages database…

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Find free or low-cost laptops and computers

by Spencer Duncan, Digital Equity Vista at the Office of Innovation and Technology Helping Philadelphians get access to devices is a key goal in Philadelphia’s Digital Equity Plan . Experts say that “insufficient access to…

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Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) Device Lending Program

The Free Library has loaned over 11,000 Wi-Fi hotspots and tablets to residents of Philadelphia as part of the Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) Device Lending Program. This program will remain funded through November 30, 2022. Service…

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Get Connected to These Free Internet Access Programs and Resources!

by Labonno Islam (Digital Engagement & Communications Specialist) and Juliet Fink-Yates (Digital Inclusion Fellow), City of Philadelphia  Office of Innovation and Technology The City of Philadelphia recognizes that access to…

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Support Digital Equity by Taking the Philadelphia Household Internet Assessment Survey

Want to help the City of Philadelphia close the digital divide and assist residents with affordable internet access? All you have to do is pick up your phone! The Philadelphia Household Internet Assessment is a…

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Need Internet Access and Technology Support? Call a Digital Navigator Today!

by Labonno Islam (Digital Engagement & Communications Specialist) and Juliet Fink Yates (Digital Inclusion Fellow), City of Philadelphia Office of Innovation and Technology In June of 2020, with the COVID-19 pandemic shutting…

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Prepare for Your High School Diploma and More With These Free Online Courses

by Andrew DePass, Intern,  Languages and Learning Center Have you started taking a GED or HiSET course before the pandemic that has been put on hold and want to continue your studies? Need an online course that fits your…

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Using the City's Online Maps to Find Free Food Distribution and COVID-19 Testing Sites

As COVID-19 cases surge in our city, Philadelphia health officials have announced a new Safer at Home plan, which aims to limit the spread of this virus through this difficult period. Vaccines for COVID-19 are currently under…

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How to Apply for Emergency Rental Assistance: A Walk-through for Tenants and Landlords

Are you a renter who has lost income due to COVID-19? You may qualify for rental assistance through the City of Philadelphia's Emergency Rental Assistance Program . Phase 2 of this program is currently accepting applications, and…

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Philadelphia History from Home: Digital Access to Primary Sources

You may have heard the recent news that Free Library cardholders now have access to ProQuest’s Historical Black Newspapers , featuring coverage of The Philadelphia Tribune (the oldest continuously-published Black daily!) from…

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Tutorials for Learning How to Use Zoom Video Conferencing Software

Attending video meetings has become a necessity for many of us these days while working from home, taking an online class, or keeping in touch with friends and family. Zoom is a popular web conferencing software platform for online…

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Accessing Computers and Digital Resources During COVID-19

by Labonno Islam (Digital Engagement & Communications Specialist) and Juliet Fink Yates (Digital Inclusion Fellow), City of Philadelphia Office of Innovation and Technology Increasing digital access is a key…

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Going the Distance: Remote Learning and Online Resources for Educators

On Thursday, April 8, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf announced the unprecedented closure of  K-12 schools for the remainder of the year due to the outbreak of COVID-19 . In lieu of brick and mortar classes, the…

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Reading Resources for School-Aged Children

Schools are closed through the end of this school year, and children and caregivers alike are looking for high-quality reading materials and activities. It's more important than ever to keep young minds engaged in…

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Communal and Cultural Growth at the Village of Arts and Humanities

The Free Library cares about digital inclusion, equity, and access, and has expanded beyond the walls of our  54 neighborhood libraries  to partner with area nonprofits, providing free access to technology and programming to…

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Digital Inclusion, Equity, and Access | Mercy Neighborhood Ministries Hot Spot

The Free Library cares about digital inclusion, equity, and access, and has expanded beyond the walls of our 54 neighborhood libraries to partner with area nonprofits, providing free access to technology and programming to increase the…

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Congratulations on the Launch of the Languages and Learning Center!

by Guest Author: Naomie Nyanungo  - Senior Director, Office of Adult Education       If you are an adult education practitioner or adult learner in Philadelphia, you are probably as happy as I am about the launch of…

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Are You Reading Fake News?

If you’re getting your news mostly from social media, your information diet is probably a little lacking. You might even be consuming fake news , which the New York Times defines as "a published news report that can be easily…

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Go Digital! Community Access to Subscription Databases

Tamoul Quakhaan is a Library Supervisor 1 / Training and Development Assistant in the Human Resources Department and a participant in Cohort 1 of the Skills for Community-Centered Libraries Trainings.  After participating in the…

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