Top Tips for Getting Online in 2026

No jargon, no experience needed — just simple tips to help you feel confident online.

Simple Tips for Everyday Digital Life

Whether you’re brand new to technology or just want a refresher, these tips are written for you. Pick a topic you’re interested in and take it at your own pace — there’s no rush.

Need help with any of these? Call us on 01223 800450 or visit a walk-in session — we’re here to help, for free.

Browse by Topic

Staying Safe Passwords Scams Email Video Calls Shopping Banking Your Phone NHS & Gov

Staying Safe Online

Essential habits to protect yourself every time you go online.
  1. Keep your device updated When your phone, tablet, or computer asks to update, say yes. Updates fix security problems and keep you safe.
  2. Look for the padlock Before entering any personal information on a website, check for a small padlock icon in the address bar. This means the site is secure.
  3. Don’t share personal information publicly Avoid posting your address, phone number, or date of birth on social media or websites you don’t trust.
  4. Use antivirus software Most devices come with built-in protection, but make sure it’s turned on. It helps block harmful software.
  5. Be careful what you click If a link looks suspicious or unexpected, don’t click it. It’s better to be cautious than to risk your security.

Top Tip If something feels wrong online, close the page straight away and ask someone you trust. It’s always better to be safe.

Creating Strong Passwords

Simple ways to protect your accounts with passwords that are hard to guess.
  1. Use three random words together Pick three words that mean something to you but would be hard for others to guess, like “purple-bicycle-sunset”.
  2. Never use the same password twice If one account gets compromised, using different passwords means your other accounts stay safe.
  3. Don’t share your passwords Your bank, the NHS, and the police will never ask for your password. Anyone who does is trying to trick you.
  4. Write them down safely It’s OK to write passwords down — just keep the list somewhere safe at home, not on your device or in your wallet.
  5. Consider a password manager Apps like those built into your phone can remember passwords for you. Ask us at a walk-in session if you’d like help setting one up.

Top Tip Three random words like “purple-bicycle-sunset” make a much stronger password than something complicated like “P@ssw0rd1!” — and they’re easier to remember.

Spotting Scams

How to recognise and avoid the most common online tricks.
  1. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is Prize draws you didn’t enter, surprise refunds, and free gifts are almost always scams.
  2. Real organisations won’t ask for your password No bank, government service, or company will ever ask you to share your password or PIN.
  3. Check the sender’s email address carefully Scammers often use addresses that look almost right but have small differences, like extra letters or wrong domains.
  4. Don’t click links in unexpected messages If you receive a text or email you weren’t expecting, don’t click any links. Go directly to the website instead.
  5. Your bank will never ask you to move money If someone calls claiming to be your bank and asks you to transfer money to a “safe account”, hang up immediately.

Top Tip When in doubt, hang up the phone or close the message. Then contact the organisation directly using a number you trust — never use the number they gave you.

Email & Messaging

Get the most out of email and messaging safely and confidently.
  1. Think before you send Once an email or message is sent, you can’t take it back. Take a moment to check it before pressing send.
  2. Don’t open attachments from strangers Files attached to emails from people you don’t know could contain harmful software. Delete them.
  3. Use a clear subject line A good subject line helps the person receiving your email know what it’s about before they open it.
  4. Keep your inbox tidy Delete emails you no longer need. This makes it easier to find important messages later.
  5. Be wary of “urgent” emails Scammers try to rush you into acting. If an email says you must act immediately, it’s likely not genuine.

Top Tip If an email asks for personal details like passwords or bank information, it’s almost certainly a scam — no matter how official it looks.

Video Calls

Feel confident on Zoom, WhatsApp, and FaceTime calls.
  1. Test your camera and microphone first Before an important call, do a quick test to make sure people can see and hear you properly.
  2. Find a quiet, well-lit spot Sit somewhere with good lighting in front of you (not behind) and as little background noise as possible.
  3. Mute when you’re not speaking This stops background noise from your end distracting other people on the call.
  4. Look at the camera for eye contact It feels more natural for the person on the other end when you look at the camera rather than the screen.
  5. It’s OK to ask someone to repeat themselves Video call audio isn’t always perfect. Don’t be embarrassed to ask people to say something again.

Top Tip Practice with a friend or family member before an important call. It takes the pressure off and helps you get comfortable with the technology.

Online Shopping

Shop safely and avoid common pitfalls when buying online.
  1. Look for the padlock in the address bar A padlock symbol means the website is encrypting your information. Never enter card details on a site without one.
  2. Read reviews before you buy Other people’s experiences can help you decide if a product or seller is trustworthy.
  3. Use a credit card for extra protection Credit cards give you more protection than debit cards if something goes wrong with a purchase.
  4. Save your confirmation emails Keep receipts and order confirmations in case you need to return something or chase a delivery.
  5. Be cautious of very low prices If a deal seems unbelievably cheap, it’s often a sign that the seller isn’t genuine.

Top Tip If a deal looks too good to be true, it usually is. Stick to well-known retailers and always check for the padlock before paying.

Online Banking

Manage your money safely from your device.
  1. Type your bank’s address yourself Always type the web address directly into your browser rather than clicking links in emails or texts.
  2. Always log out when finished Don’t just close the window — look for a “Log out” or “Sign out” button and click it.
  3. Never bank on public Wi-Fi Coffee shop and library Wi-Fi isn’t secure enough for banking. Use your home Wi-Fi or mobile data instead.
  4. Check your statements regularly Look through your recent transactions every week or so. If you spot something you don’t recognise, contact your bank immediately.
  5. Your bank will never ask for your full password They might ask for specific characters (like the 2nd and 5th letter), but never the whole thing.

Top Tip Set up text or app notifications with your bank so you get a message every time a payment leaves your account. You’ll spot anything unusual straight away.

Using Your Phone or Tablet

Get more from your device with these everyday essentials.
  1. Keep your device charged and updated Plug in your device overnight and always install updates when asked — they keep your device safe and running smoothly.
  2. Only download apps from the official store Use the App Store (Apple) or Google Play Store (Android). Apps from other sources may not be safe.
  3. Make the text bigger if needed Go to Settings > Display > Font Size to make everything easier to read. There’s no shame in making things bigger!
  4. Close apps you’re not using This helps your device run faster and saves battery. Swipe up from the bottom or use the recent apps button.
  5. Turn on “Find My Device” This feature helps you locate your phone if you lose it. You can find it in your Settings under Security or Apple ID.

Top Tip If your phone or tablet is running slowly, try turning it off and on again. It sounds simple, but it genuinely fixes most problems!

NHS & Government Services

Access health, benefits, and official services online with confidence.
  1. Download the NHS App The NHS App lets you book GP appointments, order repeat prescriptions, and view your health records — all for free.
  2. Use GOV.UK for official services Whether it’s benefits, tax, driving licences, or pensions, GOV.UK is the only official government website.
  3. Bookmark important websites Save the websites you use regularly (like your GP surgery or council) so you can find them quickly next time.
  4. Never follow links from emails for official services If you get an email claiming to be from the NHS or HMRC, don’t click the link. Go to the website directly by typing the address yourself.
  5. Ask at your local library for help Libraries often have computers you can use and staff who can help you access government services online.

Top Tip GOV.UK is the only official government website. Be wary of lookalike sites that charge fees for services that are actually free — always check the web address carefully.

The best time to learn something new is today. You don’t need to be an expert — just take one small step at a time.

— Cambridge Online Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about our tips and getting further help.

Are these tips suitable for complete beginners?
Absolutely! Every tip on this page is written in plain English for people with little or no experience using technology. We’ve avoided jargon and assumed no prior knowledge — they’re designed to be as clear and helpful as possible.
Can I get one-to-one help with any of these topics?
Yes! You can get free, friendly help at any of our walk-in sessions across Cambridge, Peterborough, and Cambridgeshire. No appointment needed. You can also call our Contact Centre on 01223 800450 for support over the phone.
Can I print these tips to read offline?
Yes! You can use your browser’s print function (usually Ctrl+P on a computer or the share button on a phone) to print this page. We also have free downloadable guides on our Downloads page that are designed to be printed.

Need More Help?

These tips are just the start. Come to a walk-in session for free, friendly, one-to-one support with anything digital.

Find a Walk-in Session Download Guides