Our Favorites

The top 3 computer help resources our Librarians recommend:

LinkedIn Learning – An online training resource offering over 16,000 self-paced courses in 7 languages taught by recognized industry professionals. Select courses relevant to your current career, or the career that you want to pursue, such as business, technology, and marketing. You can also pursue other passions—with courses on financial literacy, social media, and even drawing and music theory, you’ll be able to grow and develop in the areas you care about, both at and outside of work. Please note when setting up your LinkedIn Learning account: The Library ID is nola.

Northstar Online Learning – Improve your computer confidence with this national program used by over 2,800 adult education programs, colleges, businesses, nonprofits, government agencies, and workforce centers around the country. Access lessons via classes at the Library or via self-paced sessions. See what skills you already have by taking an assessment, then build your skills in key areas such as Essential Computer Skills, Essential Software Skills, and Using Technology in Everyday Life. Prepare for your future now by creating your free Learner Account. 

DigitalLearn.org – A fun and easy-to-use resource for new computer users and people needing refresher courses on computer basics. Courses are available in English and Spanish and cover beginner computer instruction, navigating social media, and using a computer for everyday tasks. Learn job skills, connect with others, buy a plane ticket, shop online, and more.

Local New Orleans Computer Classes 

Do you live in the New Orleans area and need computer help? This list provides information on free local computer classes that can help you achieve your technology goals. 

Goodwill Industries of Southeast Louisiana – Offers computer classes and open lab time for resume writing, job searching, Facebook Marketing Certification, Oculus Virtual Reality Interviews. For information and enrollment email Britney Walker at bwalker@goodwillno.org, or call 504-635-0143.

Hope House – A neighborhood center in St. Thomas / Irish Channel area, Hope House provides computer access and learning support. For more information, please call (504) 524-7353.

Urban League of Louisiana – Offers Digital Skills training through their Office of Workforce Development on a variety of topics. All classes are conducted online and require a working computer and Internet access. For more information, including a current schedule of classes, please visit their Tech Hub page. You can also email workforce@urbanleaguela.org or call 504-324-4444.  

YMCA Educational Services - The YMCA of Greater New Orleans offers classes for adults at the Main Library. YMCA Educational Services provides computer help in addition to adult reading, math, and high school diploma help. Please call (504) 596-8642 or email yes@ymcaneworleans.org.

Online Trainings and Tutorials 

Find websites offering free, self-paced computer lessons on many subjects, links to video tutorials for Louisiana social service websites, and information for staying safe online. 

CAFÈ and SNAP Tutorials – The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services website offers video tutorials. Videos are available in English with Spanish or Vietnamese subtitles. Video topics include the following:

• How to Create a CAFÈ Account
• How to Apply for SNAP
• How to Check the Status of a SNAP Application
• How to Upload Documents to a SNAP Application

ConnectSafely.org  – This site provides tips and advice for how to stay safe and secure on the Internet and steering clear of cyberattacks and viruses. 

• How to Use a Mouse – Learn how to use a computer mouse by playing fun mini-games. 
• Typing Tutorials 
• Internet Skills, including (Searching, Social Media, Email and Online Safety) 
• How to use a Tablet or Smartphone (Android, Chromebook, iPad and iPhone) 
• Microsoft Office 
• Windows Basics 
• Mac OS Basics 
• Linux Resources 
• How to Buy Technology 
• Basic Computer Programming 
• Basic HTML 
• Digital Photography and Beginning Graphic Design 
• Google, including Gmail, Google Docs, Google Sheets and Google Maps 

Senior Planet – Tech tips and video resources for Seniors from the AARP.

Senior’s Guide to Computers – This site shows the basics of how a computer works and how to navigate on a desktop computer. 

Typing Club – Offers free online typing tutorials for learning typing skills and increasing typing speed.

Low-Cost Internet and Device Help 

The federal government and many Internet service providers (ISPs) have programs to help eligible residents acquire low-cost Internet services and devices. Below are some programs that can help offset the cost of services or provide them for free. 

Lifeline – A federal program that lowers the monthly cost of phone and internet. Eligible customers will get at least $9.25 toward their bill. Lifeline can be used for either phone or internet, but not both. Find Lifeline providers by New Orleans zip code.

EveryoneOn – Helps connect individuals and families to affordable internet service, computers, and technology skills training. Learn more about locally-available offers and how to qualify.