Help to get online

Whether it's to access your 'My Account', checking bus times or catching up with friends getting online can be easy, but here are some tips to getting started and going further.

If you would like help with this website in particular, go to our accessibility page to learn more.

Let's get started. Just select the topic that you are interested in below.

My Account

My Account is a completely free online service that allows you to keep track of a wide range of council-run services.

Registering with us for My Account will allow you to:

• Report and track issues like missed bin collections, graffiti and fly tipping online
• Make applications, book and pay for services and track their progress online
• Retrieve forms you have saved and want to complete
• See all issues in your area marked on a map - because your account will remember your address

One to one help and drop in sessions at local libraries

Libraries are a great place to get online. Your local library will have a computer that you can use and the staff can help you with simple problems.

Libraries also have free Wi-Fi, speak to staff to find out how to connect your phone, laptop or tablet.

You could also talk to a computer buddy. Computer buddies are volunteers who help out when people are stuck using the computers and the internet. They may also be able to help you with your own device.

You can ask for general help and advice when a buddy is available in the libraries below, or book a session by phoning 0345 6080196.

Where you can get online

Local libraries can help. Not only do they have knowledgeable staff and computer buddies but many will also hold IT for You courses.

Libraries also have free Wi-Fi so you can connect to the internet with your own phone or tablet.

To book, phone 01323 463759 or drop in to a participating library during the IT for You session. Select your local library below to find out opening times and what services they offer:

• Eastbourne Library
• Hampden Park Library
• Lewes Library
• Newhaven Library
• Peacehaven Library
• Seaford Library

Digital Skills Courses

Whether you are looking to refresh your skills or learn something new there are plenty of places you can go to find out more:

• Your local library
• East Sussex County Council's website lists all their courses and allows you to sign-up online
• Learn My Way offers free courses on using a computer, browsing the web, sending an email and finding work online
• Google Digital Garage is a good resource if you already have some confidence with computers and would like to find out what else you can do

Who else can help?

Community centres are great places to look for digital technology courses or help. Find your local community centre.

If you have a question your local Citizens Advice office will be able to point you towards the best websites. Go to their advice web page for more help.

Future events

Technologies and the internet are changing and improving all the time - and so are we. Check back here for any updates about upcoming events or testing that we have taking place.

Useful tips and how to get started

Getting started

The BBC has created a guide to help those who have never used a computer or the internet before to understand and enjoy the benefits they offer.

The guide takes you step-by-step through the basics like using a mouse and a keyboard, through to searching the internet and sending emails.

How to use find things online

The internet is full of amazing resources and there is information on just about anything you need to know.

If you are unsure about the address of the website you wish to visit, you can use a search engine. The most common search engines are Google and Bing. Just type in some key words and hit 'enter'.

Have fun and explore the internet!

Setting up an email account

Keep in contact with friends, family and others and set up an email account is easy and a helpful tool to have.

If you have broadband your supplier may be able to help.

Go to their websites and find "create new account/register" or similar. Create a memorable email address that you can use when applying for jobs or registering for social networks. The most common email addresses include your name (firstname.lastname@domain.com). The different websites will require you to create a password (keep it safe, make it memorable and do not share with others).

Using social networks to communicate

The internet is full of networking tools that let you communicate with family and friends.

There are many varieties of Social Media, some examples are Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, as well as more communicative platforms such as WhatsApp and Skype.

If you have access to either a webcam for your PC/Laptop or your phone has a video/camera then you can download WhatsApp or Skype to ring friends and family abroad over the internet using video.

WhatsApp also allows you to instant message as does Facebook which allows you to privately message or post what you are up to as well as your daily thoughts. You can also do this via X (Twitter) but you have a limitation on how much you can write on public text messages.

Within all Social Media platforms you will be able to find friends/family as well as companies/organisations such as your local council and your favourite celebrities/shows.

Be internet savvy

For more information visit Stay Safe Online.

Keeping children safe

Several websites have guides for online safeguarding. For example Internet Matters has partnered with Sky to provide a host of useful information including a parent's guide to protect yourself and others in your household.