Getting Started

Using the internet can save you time, hassle and money and it's easy to use once you know how. To help you get started, why not try the sites below.

• UK online centres
  This is where you are now! If you want to find us again, type the address into your address bar at the top of the screen.
• myguide
  myguide is a useful and easy to use website which gives a simple introduction to the internet. You can search the internet on myguide or set up your first email account - free of charge and with no forms to fill in.

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Useful Stuff

The internet allows you to access information and services in a few clicks. There are so many useful websites out there, including those that allow you to access public services

• Directgov
  Directgov is a one-stop-shop for lots of public services. Whether you want more information about your child's school, need a new passport or to claim benefits, it's all possible on Directgov.
• NHS Choices
  If you've got a health-related question, NHS Choices may be able to help. The website provides head to toe online health information and advice from the NHS.

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Sport

Whether its football or gymnastics you're interested in, the internet can provide all the information you need.

• BBC Sport
  BBC Sport covers most sports including football, motorsports, and cycling, providing all the action as it happens - up-to-the-minute news, results, video, audio and feature stories.
• Football Association
  The official website of the Football Association -the home of English football. This website contains all the information you will ever need about the beautiful game in England, its history and general information about English clubs, the FA Cup and the FA.

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Family History

The internet has made tracing your family history easier than ever. Here are a few websites to try:

• Genes Reunited
  This website enables you to discover and build your family tree in three steps. It allows you to search over 500 million names, including official records.
• Genealogy on the Web
  If you want to know more about your family or trace an individual, this is a great place to start. Covering the UK and the US, this site provides access to records for census, birth, marriage, death, military and historical phone records.
• GENUKI
  This site provides a large collection of genealogical information from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. It also provides handy hints and tips to get you started, news and events information.

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Gardening Websites

Order garden equipment, seek out expert advice or simple hints and tips - the internet is a hotbed of gardening information.

• BBC Gardening
  The BBC Gardening website gives you access to gardening information including a plant finder database, the chance to create a virtual garden, message boards and blogs, a gardeners' calendar, gardening in the news and a 'how to' section.
• The Royal Horticultural Society
  This website provides a great source of information about horticulture including advice, news, the chance to shop online plus a gardening club for families and children and the chance to sign up for membership.

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Leisure and Entertainment

The internet can be great when trying to organise your social life too.

• Cinema times
  If you want to rent a DVD or find out what is on at the cinema, this is the website for you. You can find your nearest cinema, search show times for all movies in all UK cinemas. The website also lists the top ten movies and new releases, plus you can rent DVDs online.
• Netmums
  This is a unique local network for Mums (or Dads) offering information on both a national and local level. Once you've registered you can access details for all kinds of local resources, from child-friendly cafés to childminders and places to go. You can read recommendations from other local parents and check out information on pre-schools or schools in your area.
• Met Office
  If you're heading out and want to know if you'll need a brolly, the Met Office website provides up-to-date weather and climate change forecasts for the UK and worldwide.
• What's on TV
  If you're planning a night in front of the telly or want to know the best films, the What's on TV site is a great place to start. The website provides up-to-date TV listings and over 25,000 film reviews.

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Music

Whatever your musical tastes, you'll find something worth listening to on the internet.

• BBC Radio
  Whether your listening taste stretches to Radio 1, 5 Live Sports Extra or your local BBC radio station, the BBC provides an excellent website that enables users to listen to all their stations online whilst providing news, quizzes and competitions plus podcast downloads.
• RealOne Player
  You can find hundreds of music channels and radio stations on this website which include music, videos and artist blogs.
• UK Launch
  Run by Yahoo, this website allows you to watch free music videos online, listen to free music and read the latest music reviews and UK charts.

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Social Networking

Social networking has been hitting the news a lot recently. Basically it's about websites that allow you to chat and share information and pictures online. Here are a few websites to try:

• Friends Reunited
  If you want a reunion, Friends Reunited could help. With over 19 million people registered on the site, it's a great place to find, reunite and contact old friends from school, work or even neighbours.
• Facebook
  Facebook is a social networking website and is a great way of connecting with people who share an interest, live or work around you. It's a great way to catch up with old friends, share information and pictures with current friends and even make new friends online.
• Myspace
  Myspace is another social networking website. It's a great way to meet new people and keep in touch, and includes games and events information.
• Bebo
  Popular with younger users, Bebo allows friends to communicate in various ways. The site hosts an online community where you can post pictures, and send messages to other people on the website.

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Holidays/Travel

Why not use the internet to book a B&B or seek out the cheapest flights to the sun?

• LastMinute.com
  If you're looking to go on holiday or just to get away for a short break, this website gives you the chance to search for holidays, flights and hotels, car hire, entertainment and restaurants.
• Travelsupermarket.com
  Travelsupermarket.com compares cheap flights, hotel prices, holiday car hire and package holiday late deals. They search the market for you so it's often easier than looking at loads of different websites.
• Expedia
  This website allows you to purchase airline tickets, make hotel reservations, find vacation packages, car rental and cruise deals at the travel agency rated.
• National Rail Enquires
  If you're planning a trip and would like to travel by train, you should check the National Rail enquires website. This website enables you to plan your journey, get train times and fares, research stations and destinations and download maps.

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Price Comparision Websites

Price comparison websites search the market for you often saving you time, hassle and money. Whether it's insurance or a new car you're looking for, price comparison websites can be a great place to start.

• uSwitch
  uSwitch.com is a free, impartial online comparison and switching service that helps compare prices on a range of services including gas, electricity, home phone, broadband providers and personal finance products. This site could help you take advantage of the best prices and services on offer from suppliers. car insurance quotes, comparing thousands of deals.
• Insurance
  If you're looking for insurance for your home, vehicle, pet or even travel and life insurance, this website will compare the market for you in minutes.
• Comparison
  This website compares thousands of products and services from hotels, car hire, parking, electrical and DVDs to games, CD music, books and ring tones.

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Homework and kid's entertainment

Using the internet is a great way to find information that might help your kids with their homework. Here are just a few websites to try:

• BBC Schools
  Fed up with not being able to help your children with their homework or exam revision? Don't worry, the BBC provides free, fun and easy to use learning resources, developed for families just like yours.
• Homework Elephant
  Homework Elephant provides subject help on a wide range of things including Maths, English and Science. The website also includes handy hints and tips and offers a service called 'Agony Elephant', allowing you to email a question and receive advice from an expert in the subject area.
• BBC - CBeebies
  The popular TV channel CBeebies also has a website full of exciting information for children. On the website parents and children can find out all about their favourite CBeebies characters. The site also includes games, stories and rhymes, things to print and colour, and ideas of things to make and do.
• Directgov Kids
  Find information and activities, all specifically designed to help kids find out about the world around them.
• Enquire
  Got a question? Enquire's free service is a world-first, connecting users to library staff who are trained to help you find answers on any subject.