Getting started in Facebook

This guide is aimed at beginners, but it still assumes a basic knowledge of computers and the internet. If you’re extremely new to either, you will find it much easier if you do a beginner’s course with the help of a UK Online Centre, library or a helpful friend. You might also want to take a look through our list of Facebook jargon so you’re not fazed before you begin.

You’ll need an email address to use Facebook. If you don’t have one yet, you can sign up for a free address with Googlemail or a number of other providers.

Once you have an email address, visit www.facebook.com to sign up for an account, as seen in this Youtube video.

Once you’re in, you’ll want to find a friend. To do this, start typing their name in the top box. If they appear (and if it’s definitely them, remember there might be many people with the same name) click on their name and their profile will come up. If you get a lot of choices and aren’t sure if it’s them, you can click ‘Send message’, or if you are sure ‘Add as friend’.  Note: some people have opted out of receiving messages this way so you’ll only be able to send them a message if you send them a request to be friends.

Tip: Facebook can email you notifications on everything that happens, for example when someone wants to connect with you. You might find that useful to start with, to remind you to return, but it can get annoying once things get busy. To switch these on or off, go to the top right of the page Account > Account Settings > Notifications.

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