Technology – you can’t live without it!

For some people the advancement of technology into our daily lives has been a liberating experience and transformed the way they live; but for others it is often seen as an added complication.  Whatever your view or interaction with technology, there is no doubt that we can’t live without it.  Technology is a tool and it is up to you to decide how to use it.

Computers in our lives

Computers are everywhere, in our homes, at work and even the most unlikely places – you can’t avoid them.
Some people need to find confidence to use computers.  There are a variety of services at local colleges and libraries that will enable you to learn basic computing skills.

Liverpool Community College operates 12 drop-in study centres across the city and offers a basic computing skills course as well as a whole range of computing and information technology courses aimed at all levels.

0151 252 1515  www.liv-coll.ac.uk

The Internet and the worldwide web

The internet or worldwide web (or just web or net) is a global computer network that anyone can access and publish information on from text to sound to pictures.  About 5% of the world’s population has access to the net but in countries like USA and Canada over 50% of people have access.  You can send and receive messages, find information, read, listen, see and many more things.

The internet is for everyone and even if you don’t have a home computer you can still access from places like your local library through the People's Network.

www.peoplesnetwork.gov.uk

Social networking

A social network is a group of people who use the internet or a messaging service to communicate. Social networking websites are being used regularly by millions of people, and it is a part of everyday life.  The main types of social networking services are those that contain groups of friends or former schoolmates.  They are normally free to join and you just set up your own details and start using them.

There are hundreds of different social networks to explore but at the time of writing two of the biggest are Facebook and Twitter.  Use the links to log in and explore how you could start using social networking to communicate.

www.facebook.com

www.twitter.com

Personal devices

Mobile phones, iphones etc  are now very widely used and are becoming increasingly sophisticated combining pictures, sound and text; acting as cameras, tracking devices and mini computers.  There are hundreds of mobile devices, a huge range of ways to pay presenting choice but also confusion.

Before buying a personal device such as a mobile phone or indeed and technology based equipment you should seek advice and shop around.  

WHICH campaigns to get a fairer deal for all consumers and publishes expert unbiased information to help you make the right choice, whatever you're buying.

01992 822800  www.which.co.uk

Security and technology

Using technology brings with it a whole new way of behaving.  A computer is not generally thought of as being one of the most hazardous activities to engage in. Yet health and safety risks do exist for both adults and children.

While the Internet serves as a wonderful tool, it is totally unregulated and therefore you should take extreme caution in relation to the material you view or you place on the Internet.  There are dangers, particularly for children and activity needs to be supervised.  Always be cautious about what personal information you impart on the Internet.

For advice for children, parents and teachers concerning using the Internet safely, consult Childnet.

www.childnet-int.org

There can be a health risk involved in using technology perhaps from eyestrain or a repetitive strain injury and all the devices are electronic equipment and should be used with responsibility. ROSPA (the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) provides advice on how to use technology safely.

0121 248 200  www.rospa.com