Get Help / Technology & Internet
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
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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.
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Montgomery County Public Libraries:
- Library branches have computers that can be used for free. Some branches also have laptops.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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)
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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Low-Cost Home Internet Access
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Affordable Connectivity Program
- Federal program to help low-income households pay for internet service and connected devices.
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Lifeline Program
- Federal program to help low-income households lower the cost of their phone or internet services.