Internet Basics for Seniors
The internet is useful for news, maps, shopping, appointments, forms, family updates, and learning, but it can also feel noisy and unsafe. This course helps seniors and beginners understand web browsers, search, links, downloads, forms, and safety habits in plain language.
Using a Browser With Confidence
- Understand what a browser is, including Safari, Chrome, Edge, and Firefox, and how it differs from a search engine or website.
- Practise tabs, back and forward buttons, refresh, the address bar, bookmarks, history, downloads, zoom, and private browsing.
- Learn the difference between typing a website address and searching for a business, service, or question.
Searching and Finding Trustworthy Information
- Use Google or another search engine to find information, compare results, and recognize ads, maps listings, snippets, and official websites.
- Check whether a website looks trustworthy by reviewing the address, organization name, contact details, date, spelling, and pressure tactics.
- Search for practical information such as health resources, government pages, recipes, weather, events, transit, directions, and local services.
Forms, Downloads, and Everyday Web Tasks
- Fill out simple online forms, use drop-down menus, check boxes, date pickers, and confirmation pages without rushing.
- Download, open, save, print, or attach PDFs and documents while knowing where files usually go.
- Use common websites for appointments, online shopping research, library resources, maps, videos, and secure account pages.
Internet Safety Essentials
- Recognize suspicious pop-ups, fake virus warnings, urgent prize messages, unsafe downloads, imitation login pages, and fake support numbers.
- Understand HTTPS, passwords, two-factor codes, cookies, privacy prompts, browser updates, and why some links should not be clicked.
- Build a simple habit: pause, check the web address, avoid sharing codes, close suspicious pages, and ask for help before paying or downloading.
Maps, Video, Email, and Other Connected Skills
- See how internet basics connect to email, video calls, Google Maps, online banking, shopping, forms, photos, and social apps.
- Practise opening links from trusted emails or texts, then returning safely to the original app or browser tab.
- Learn when to use a website, when to use an app, and how to keep shortcuts or bookmarks for pages you visit often.
What You Should Feel More Confident Doing
Use a browser, tabs, bookmarks, search, and web addresses more confidently.
Find useful information while recognizing ads and questionable sites.
Download, save, print, or attach common web files with less confusion.
Spot unsafe pop-ups, links, and fake warnings before clicking.
Related Help From Macbryte
If one topic leads to another, these pages can help you continue learning step by step.
Common Questions
Can you teach me the difference between Google, Safari, Chrome, and websites?
Yes. That is a common source of confusion, and we explain it with simple examples on your own device.
Can you help me fill out online forms safely?
Yes. We can practise forms, confirmation pages, passwords, PDFs, and safe ways to handle personal information online.
Can you help me know which websites are safe?
Yes. We teach practical warning signs so you can pause, check the address, avoid fake pop-ups, and verify before clicking or paying.
Want one-on-one internet or maps help?
If you want patient help finding addresses, checking directions, using transit routes, saving places, or sharing your location safely, see our dedicated Ottawa service page.