Personal computers
If you need a few ideas or top tips about the right technology to enable you to get online, then our beginner's guide is a good place to start.
Don't forget, The BT Shop has an extremely wide range of products available and it is possible to search by specific options that are right for you.
Personal computers
Buying a personal computer (PC) is fairly straightforward these days, with lots of competing suppliers. However, it helps to know in advance roughly what kind of computer you want.
First, decide if a desktop or laptop is the best option for you. Desktops are ideal if you plan to use the computer in one place. They also tend to be a bit cheaper, are more flexible when it comes to options, such as screen size, and are easier to adapt if you have a disability.
Laptops are the perfect solution if you want to use it in more than one location, and for some people they may be easier to use, as they are more compact and all-in-one.
All new PCs are able to use e-mail, the internet and create documents. Only if you are planning to use it for more demanding tasks such as games, video or work, do you need to consider getting a more powerful model.
Some people may need to make changes to a standard computer to make it easier to use. Visit AbilityNet's My Computer, My Way! website for further information about adapting your PC.
Handheld computers - A variety of much smaller 'computers' are available. These include Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) and even some more advanced mobile phones, sometimes called smart phones. These may be a good solution if your primary need is e-mail, diary and address book functions, although many are far more advanced.
Some have functions such as note taking or voice recording, which may help certain disabilities. They are also more portable and lighter than a laptop.
Accessories
Monitors (screens or displays) - Monitors are available in a range of sizes measured in diagonal screen size in inches, as well as different picture qualities. A larger or better defined picture may help anyone with visual impairment. Some disabilities, such as learning difficulties, may benefit from a touch sensitive screen.
Peripherals - Different mice and keyboards are available that may suit different users. Even the size of mice vary for different hand sizes and trackerballs and joysticks offer completely different options. There are also helpful options in the PC's software, such as mouse speed and sensitivity.
Ergonomic keyboards are usually more comfortable to use and other options, such as coloured overlay stickers or voice recognition systems are available for specific disabilities.
WebCams - With the advent of broadband, millions of people have started to make the most of video communication. A webcam - a small video camera that connects into the PC - in combination with the right communication software, such as instant messaging applications, you can keep in touch with friends almost anywhere in the world. This is a particularly great innovation for anyone with difficulties leaving the home or communicating via telephone. In fact, web cams are very popular in the deaf community, where BSL users are using web cams to sign over broadband. Visit our BSL Broadband Guide for further details.
Help with computers
Once you have bought your PC, you may need some help setting it up so it's right for you. Here we offer some ideas to get you started. For further information on any of these topics, visit AbilityNet's my computer, my way website.
There are a number of organisations that can provide practical help to older and disabled people wanting to get online. Please go to Useful Websites – Computers for more information.
Making your computer easier to use
When you get a new computer you can make it easier to use, for example by altering font sizes or colours. This can usually be done with some simple settings changes. Most can be found via the Control Panel option if you are using a Microsoft Windows-based PC, or System Settings on an Apple Mac. Below we have listed some examples of the settings you can change.
Accessibility Settings - If you find your computer difficult to use because of a disability you can use the Accessibility Option in Windows to change the items listed below.
Keyboard - If you have difficulty controlling movement, your computer can be set to ignore when the same key is pressed several times. You can also set your computer to make sounds to let you know when you have turned on capitals (Caps Lock) and Number Lock.
Mouse - If you have difficulty holding or controlling movement you can move the cursor (pointer) round the screen using the number keys on your keyboard instead of the mouse.
Sound - If you are deaf or hard of hearing you can set your computer to show you messages if your computer makes a sound to signify specific events, such as when a new e-mail is received.
Display - If you have a visual impairment or a learning difficulty such as dyslexia you can change the colours of text and background on your screen.
Text Size - If the text size on the computer screen is difficult for you to read, you can easily change it. If you find the actual size of the windows and icons on your screen too large or small you can change them to a size you find easier to see. If you find the font sizes used on your PC too small you can choose to make them permanently bigger. This includes the text on the menus, toolbars and icons.
Browser Settings - Once you have changed your screen and text size in Windows the menu and toolbar on your Internet browser should change as well. To change the size of the fonts or the colours on websites themselves, change the settings in your internet browser.
More information can be found in our Web Accessibility section.
Change the appearance of this site
Click here to view this website differently
Browsealoud
Browsealoud is free software that reads out loud the text on 'speech enabled' websites. For more information, see Web accessibility - Browsealoud.
Setting up a network
If you have a broadband internet connection and more than one computing device in your home, it is well worth setting up a network. This allows multiple users to share the internet connection, as well as other resources such as printers and data files. In addition, a wireless network makes it easier for everyone, especially if anyone has mobility difficulties.
What do you need to set up a network? - You need broadband to make a home network worthwhile. You will also need a home network router to share your broadband access. Only some models have wireless capability. Every computer or device you plan to connect will either need a network adapter, which are usually already installed, or built-in wireless capability. If you need any additional equipment, The BT Shop has an extensive range of networking equipment, including the BT Home Hub 2.0, the ideal start for a wireless home communications network.
Internet security
There are a lot of threats to your security and privacy on the internet and while they should not stop anyone making the most of the online world, it is important to stay safe.
Below are the important aspects of internet security you should know about. All product types mentioned are available to buy, or as free versions, either online or as giveaways with computer magazines.
Anti-virus software - A virus is an unwanted computer program, which loads itself onto your computer without your knowledge and can do serious damage. They usually hide inside documents, which are often sent as attachments in e-mails, or offered on dodgy websites to download. While you can be cautious about what e-mails and documents you open, the best way to protect yourself is with anti-virus software. This will scan for viruses and protect your PC and data, as long as you keep it updated.
Firewalls - A firewall stops other people from looking at information on your computer from elsewhere on the internet. It is a good way of keeping personal data safe.
Pop-up blockers. - Many companies use "pop-up" windows to advertise products. However, as well as sometimes being annoying, some pop-ups may contain unwelcome spyware. Pop-up blockers will stop most pop-ups from appearing.
Spam and scams - The internet is full of fake stories, e-mails and scams trying to get you to part with your money or your personal details. Many e-mails are trying to sell things to you that you don't want and never asked for. For example, fake e-mails often pretend to be from financial institutions trying to get you to click a link to a fake website, where it will ask for your bank details. Banks and credit card companies do not e-mail customers asking them to confirm account details or passwords. We recommend deleting any e-mails of this nature. You should always use your internet browser to go directly to the real home page of your bank, rather than clicking on links in e-mails. Most e-mail software and webmail services have spam filters. They are never perfect, so you should check spam folders occasionally for any legitimate e-mails.
Spyware - Spyware is computer software used to get information from your computer without you knowing. Usually this is for advertising purposes (also known as adware) and comes hidden within free downloads from websites. Sometimes it is used to gather information on your computer passwords.
Security top tips
- Never reply to an e-mail asking for any of your pin numbers or bank details.
- If you have a credit card, sign up to the Verified scheme, which gives you a password that must be used when you shop online.
- Only shop on secure websites. You can tell if a website is secure when you get to the payment screen because small padlock icon will appear at the bottom of your browser window. This icon should show as locked or it may be unsafe to shop.
- When you do shop online always print out your order details and keep them safe until the things you have ordered have arrived.
- If you do shop online always check your bank and credit card statements carefully to make sure you recognise all payments. Remember to shred bank and credit card statements before throwing them away.
For further advice, visit the websites below:
