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Where to go for more

If you want to know more, or perhaps take a computer course, then check our list of useful organisations. And if you need help setting up your computer or fixing it when it goes wrong, we’ve got some pointers, too.

Schools, colleges, libraries and community centres
Many schools and further education colleges offer a range of short courses for people who want to learn more about their computer, and larger libraries will often have online courses that you can take, sometimes for free. Some local community centres offer IT courses also.

Ask at your local library for information on courses in your area or look for course details in your local newspaper. You can also ask your local authority for information on learning centres and courses—their number will be in the phone book.

UK Online Centres—www.ukonlinecentres.com/consumer
Visit your local UK Online Centre if you want to learn about using a computer and the internet. You can find your nearest centre by calling free on 0800 77 1234 or visit the UK Online Centres website and search by postcode. Costs vary between centres, but in many cases it will be free to get started.

Learndirect
Learndirect offer a whole range of courses in using the computer and the internet and many other skills. They have 2000 learndirect online learning centres in the UK which you can visit. If you can’t make it to a centre, don't let that bother you! You can learn at home using the learndirect website, at work or anywhere you can access the internet.

They also have a telephone advice service that can help you decide which course is right for you. They can provide information and advice in a caller’s own language.

Website: www.learndirect.co.uk Tel: 0800 101901

Get more information on more Learndirect numbers

Advice

Advice on fixing your PC and installing software
If your computer is under guarantee or you have an extended warranty then the best thing when something goes wrong is to contact the place you bought it from.

If this isn’t an option, then there are lots of small companies that will do computer repairs, but it can be very difficult to know who is reliable and whether you will get a good service. It’s often a good idea to ask your friends or family if they know someone reliable. There are a number of larger companies that offer computer support for a fee.

Please note that Childnet does not endorse these organisations, and these names are provided for illustrative purposes only.

Two large companies that offer support are:
PC World—Select ‘Help & Support’ from www.pcworld.co.uk
BT Computer Support—visit www.btbroadbandoffice.com/internetapplications/computersupport

If you look in the Yellow Pages you will find more places under ‘Computer Maintenance’ or ‘Computer Services’. You can also ask in your local library as they may have other directories available.

Advice on parenting
ParentlinePlus is a free helpline which you can call for information and support on all parenting issues including bullying.