All together now – making the most of the internet

‘Long distance’ is becoming a thing of the past, thanks to a host of social networking websites and internet-based technologies. Here’s how to make them work for you, says Hannah Watkins

Facebook might have been created by Harvard students, but it’s the over 50s who are the fastest-growing group of internet networkers. Source: Office for National Statistics.

The internet has allowed us to maintain and even strengthen ties with family and friends, however great the distance, as well as share news, photos, music and even games of Scrabble, chess or bridge instantly.

Speak easy
Email remains one of the easiest ways to contact people. However, the internet as a means of communication doesn’t stop there: internet telephony, often referred to as VoIP (voice over internet protocol), is becoming increasingly popular.

The most well-known provider is Skype, providing a fantastic way to speak to loved ones without the worry of cost or distance. The majority of computers now have integral microphones, which are necessary for voice calls, as is a web camera if you want to make a video call.

It’s a small world after all
Websites that allow the sharing of news are another great way to feel a sense of community, albeit a virtual one. Social networking sites such as Facebook are an easy way to find people who share similar interests.

Online communities aren’t just for high-tech types, either. Craft sites Etsy and Folksy act like virtual Sunday markets for all manner of handmade items. While great for shoppers looking for something special, they also offer the chance to sell your own creations online – not to mention meeting other people who share your hobby.

Say cheese!
Photographs remain one of the best ways to share news and memories. Picasa and Flickr are two of the most popular online photo sharing and editing sites, allowing you to upload and store pictures from your camera or hard drive for free so that friends and family can view them.

Who do you think you are?
If you’re interested in family history, www.geni.com and www.ancestry.co.uk allow you to research your heritage and share your family tree through the archives and databases that are available at a small fee.

Ancestry’s website also allows you to upload photos, attach historical records and share your tree with other members of your family, and provides access to all UK births and deaths since 1837.

I want it now
The internet is also fast becoming a key source of entertainment, with films and programmes available to view at any time. Take a look at BBC iPlayer, ITV Player and Channel 4 on Demand, all of which give you the freedom to watch what you want, when you want – for free!

And that’s not all: you can listen to your favourite radio show online if you missed it the first time, while music can now be bought online and downloaded to listen to on your computer or on a portable device like the Apple iPod.

Apple’s iTunes store offers one of the most comprehensive online music libraries, giving you a world of songs, audio books and even films at your fingertips. Happy surfing!

It’s never too late to learn
If you’re confused by all the latest internet-based technologies, Digital Unite has been set up with the sole purpose of helping older people unleash their digital talents.

Your local library is another great source of information, many offering courses to help you get the most out of computers and the internet.