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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

  • NEW! 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). In order to receive a computer, a household must bring proof that they are receiving certain public benefits, are enrolled in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), or are earning less than 200% of the federal poverty level (ie, first page of tax return).  See Affordable Connectivity Program website for more information on documents which can be used to prove income.
  • 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 Tuesdays: offered by Gaithersburg Library
    • Tuesdays, 4-6pm 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); marylandersonline@umd.edu 
    • 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.
  • Lifeline Program
    • Federal program to help low-income households lower the cost of their phone or internet services.