Get Help / Technology & Internet

Back to Get Help Home

Technology Information on how to access internet and computers.

If you cannot find what you're looking for from the information below, call us at (240) 777-4940 (Mon to Fri, 9am—5pm) or visit us at one of our locations to ask about programs that can help you.

Access to Free or Low-Cost Computers

  • Montgomery Connects - Maryland Connected Devices Program
    • Program for low-income residents to receive a free Chromebook (one computer per household and only one computer per address). 
    • NOTE: Program is no longer offering free computers. Check website for any new updates. 
  • Montgomery County Public Libraries:
    • Library branches have computers that can be used for free. Some branches also have laptops.
  • MacRecycleClinic:
    • MacRecycleClinic provides refurbished (used) Macintosh Chromebooks computers to students, low-income families, veterans in need and nonprofit organizations by referral. MRC also provides support for Macintosh/Chromebook users who have computer issues, questions or need minor instruction for a donation.
    • Please use the Contact Us page at MacRecycleClinic.org or call 301-593-4004 (leave message). By appointment only.
  • Kindworks: 301-246-2452
    • Kindworks provides refurbished (used) computers to students and families in need, by referral only .  See website for information on how to donate equipment.  Organizations who have clients in need of computers may contact Kindworks for information on how to submit a referral.
  • Phoenix Computers
    • Provides refurbished (used) computers at low cost to low-income and disabled individuals.

Training on How to Use Technology

  • See our Classes page for information on the Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center’s Basic Computer classes and additional resources for learning how to use technology.
  • Senior Planet: 240-753-0676
    • Provides training for seniors on how to use technology, including computers, smartphones, tablets, and various apps and programs (including Zoom).
    • Technology Hotline:  Get answers to your tech-related questions.
      • (240) 753-0676 (Montgomery County)
      • (888) 713-3495 (National)
  • Tech Reference Thursdays: offered by Gaithersburg Library
    • Thursdays, 3-6pm at Gaithersburg Library Computer Lab (18330 Montgomery Village Ave., Gaithersburg, MD 20879)
    • Get free one-on-one, in-person tech help on the computer or with your laptop, tablet, smartphone, and other portable devices.
  • Marylanders Online Call Center: 301-405-9810, or 1-866-206-8467 (Mon. to Fri., 9am-3pm); [email protected] 
    • Provides free, one-on-one tech support to all Maryland residents in English and Spanish. 

Access to Internet

  • Montgomery County Public Libraries
    • All computers available to the public at library branches provide free access to the internet.
    • Outdoor Public Wi-Fi
      • You may connect to the internet for free, 24 hours a day, outside of certain library branches.  Visit website for list of branches offering outdoor Wi-Fi.
    • Internet To Go!
      • Library branches provide internet hotspots that can be checked out for two weeks.
  • Montgomery County’s Office of Broadband Programs- Offers digital equity programs to increase access to technology.
    • Low-Cost Home Internet Access
      • Low-income families and older adults in Montgomery County may qualify to receive home internet access for as little as $9.95/month.  See website for details on available providers and how to get help determining eligibility and applying for the program.
  • Affordable Connectivity Program
    • Federal program to help low-income households pay for internet service and connected devices.
    • Note: Program is currently paused until more federal funding is allocated. Check website for any new updates. 
  • Lifeline Program
    • Federal program to help low-income households lower the cost of their phone or internet services.