Navigate the digital world with confidence — free guides for beginners, seniors, and everyone in between
global internet users
adults lack basic digital skills
lost to online scams annually
of seniors want to learn digital skills
In today's world, digital literacy is as essential as reading and writing. From applying for jobs and accessing healthcare to connecting with loved ones and managing finances, the internet is central to modern life. Yet millions of people — especially seniors, low-income families, and rural communities — lack the skills to navigate the digital world safely and confidently.
At LES AMIS DE LA FLORE, we believe digital literacy is a human right. This page provides free, practical resources to help you build essential digital skills, protect your privacy, and stay safe online.
Create an account, send/receive messages, attach files, organize folders, and recognize spam.
Use search engines, navigate websites, bookmark favorites, and understand URLs.
Set up Zoom, FaceTime, or WhatsApp calls. Join meetings, use chat, share screens.
Save, organize, rename, and find files on your computer or phone.
Use Google Drive, iCloud, or Dropbox to back up photos and access files anywhere.
Fill out job applications, government forms, and medical intake forms online.
Use 12+ characters with uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols. Never reuse passwords across sites. Use a password manager like Bitwarden (free).
Bad password: "password123"
Good password: "Blue!Coffee$Tree#42"
Add an extra layer of security. After entering your password, you'll receive a code via text or authenticator app. Enable 2FA on email, banking, and social media accounts.
Scammers impersonate banks, government agencies, or companies. Red flags: urgent language, spelling errors, requests for personal info, suspicious links. Never click links in unexpected emails.
Updates fix security vulnerabilities. Enable automatic updates on your phone, computer, and apps. Don't ignore update notifications.
How to spot: Generic greetings ("Dear Customer"), urgent demands, spelling errors, suspicious links.
What to do: Don't click links. Hover over the sender's email address to verify. Contact the company directly.
How to spot: Pop-up saying your computer is infected, asking you to call a number.
What to do: Legitimate companies never call you first. Hang up. Don't give remote access.
How to spot: Deals that seem too good to be true, websites with poor design, no contact info.
What to do: Research the seller. Read reviews. Use credit cards (better fraud protection).
How to spot: Unrecognized charges on bank statements, bills for accounts you didn't open.
What to do: Monitor accounts regularly. Freeze your credit if needed. Report to police.
Review settings on social media (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok). Set posts to "Friends Only" or "Private." Limit what personal info is visible (birthday, phone number, address).
Public Wi-Fi (cafes, airports, hotels) is not secure. A VPN encrypts your data. Free options: ProtonVPN, Windscribe.
Search your name to see what information is public. Request removal of sensitive info from data broker sites.
Think before posting: Do you need to share your location, workplace, or family photos publicly? Once online, it's hard to remove.
Cookies track your browsing. In browser settings, block third-party cookies. Clear cookies regularly.
Review app permissions on your phone. Does a flashlight app need access to your contacts? Probably not. Deny unnecessary permissions.
Step 1: Download WhatsApp or Zoom (free). Step 2: Create an account. Step 3: Ask family to send you a video call invitation. Step 4: Click the link to join. Practice with a trusted family member first.
Use Google Photos or iCloud to share albums with family. Ask a grandchild to help you set it up. You can also email photos as attachments.
Use your bank's official app or website. Never click links in emails. Type the bank's address directly. Set up alerts for transactions.
Many doctors offer video visits. They will send a link. Click to join at your appointment time. Test your camera and microphone beforehand.
Who published this? Is it a reputable news organization, government agency (.gov), or educational institution (.edu)? Avoid unknown websites.
Does this match what other sources say? Check 2-3 different sources before believing a claim.
Is the content trying to sell something, promote an agenda, or inform? Look for bias.
Is the information current? Outdated information can be misleading. Who profits from this content?
Free courses for beginners: email, job searching, Zoom, online safety. Self-paced with videos.
2,000+ free tutorials: computer basics, social media, Excel, Google Drive. No sign-up required.
Free tech classes for adults 60+. Live online and in-person. Topics include Zoom, online shopping, and telehealth.
Reviews and guides for parents: managing screen time, privacy settings, and online safety for kids.
Free guide: what to do if your identity is stolen. Recovery plan and sample letters.
Free tool to check if your email or password has been exposed in a data breach.
Use built-in tools (Apple Screen Time, Google Family Link). Set daily limits for apps. No phones at the dinner table or during homework.
Filter inappropriate content on YouTube, Google, and social media. Review privacy settings together.
Teach kids: never share personal info (address, school, phone number), never meet online strangers in person, tell a trusted adult if something feels wrong.
Watch videos and play games with your child. Ask questions about what they're seeing. Keep devices in common areas, not bedrooms.