Many public facilities are available in Hong Kong where you can access computers and the Internet, use electronic services, and develop new skills that will be beneficial in the information age. Here you can learn more about what these facilities offer, where they can be found and how you can make use of them.

With the increased availability of Internet-ready mobile devices such as notebook computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs) and some mobile phones, the Government has started to install Wi-Fi facilities in some of its premises with high public patronage with a view to making broadband Internet access more convenient for everyone in Hong Kong. Some of the Wi-Fi facilities had been rolled out and the remaining hotspots will be progressively implemented by mid 2009.

• More on Wi-Fi Facilities at Government Premises
  http://www.gov.hk/en/theme/wifi/program/index.htm

Another way you can gain access to computers is through public libraries. Internet workstations are installed in public libraries to enable you to browse the Internet. To facilitate the browsing of the Internet by the visually impaired, some Internet workstations are installed with special aiding devices, including screen magnifying software as well as Cantonese and English voice synthesizer software.

• List of public libraries with computers for the visually impaired
  http://www.hkpl.gov.hk/english/services/services_cf/services_cf_isn/services_cf_isn.html#visually

To support the public's self-learning and information needs, the Hong Kong Public Libraries have developed a Multimedia Information System (MMIS) to provide one-stop interactive multimedia information service that allows the public to search, browse, view or listen to all kinds of multimedia materials through workstations inside the library or through Internet. You may surf the Internet with workstations inside the library as well. Through the online booking service, users with valid library cards can reserve for the use of workstations as well as contents, such as audio, video and CD-ROM databases.

• List of public libraries with MMIS service
  http://www.hkpl.gov.hk/english/services/services_er/services_er_mmis/services_er_mmis.html

Moreover, the Computer and Information Centres or Areas in selected public libraries offer services that allow you to:

• Use commonly used software such as word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation
  
• Apply application software such as web authoring, image and photo editing, drawing, and publishing (available in the Computer and Information Centres only)
  
• Access to the Library Catalogue, e-books and online databases
  
• Browse the Internet
  
• Proceed secured electronic transactions with e-Cert embedded in smart ID card (available at selected workstations only)
  
• Scan document (except Stanley Public Library)
  
• Burn CD (available in the Hong Kong Central Library only)
  

Some of these services can be pre-booked, please check with your library for details.

• List of public libraries with Computer Information Centres or Areas
  http://www.hkpl.gov.hk/english/services/services_cf/services_cf_ctca/services_cf_ctca.html

You can also use the Internet Express Terminals located at certain public libraries to surf the Internet and check or send emails for up to 15 minutes without the need for pre-booking.

• List of public libraries with Internet Express Terminals
  http://www.hkpl.gov.hk/english/services/services_cf/services_cf_iet/services_cf_iet.html

Internet Express Terminal

You can consider the various computer facilities provided by non-governmental organisations to develop your IT skills. Below is one of the examples.

Christian Action Community Cyber Centre

The Community Cyber Centre is co-organised by the Christian Action and Home Affairs Department with its services launched in July 2007. Members of the public are welcome to enrol free of charge as members of the Christian Action Community Cyber Centre and enjoy its free IT facilities.

Internet access is available to all computer workstations and selected computers are equipped with Smart Identity Card Readers for users to enjoy secure public services. To facilitate the use of computers by the visually impaired, the centre has also installed dedicated hardware and software for people in need. These include screen magnifiers, screen readers and braille displays.

Below are the highlights of the types of software available in the centre:

• Word processing software and tools
• Website development and publishing software
• Video, sound and animation editing software
• Graphics design and images editing software
• Desktop publishing software
• DVD recording software

• More on the Christian Action Community Cyber Centre (Available in Chinese only)
  http://www.christian-action.org.hk/caccc

You can access more computer facilities and training courses provided by non-governmental organisations through the link below. These courses cover a range of subjects – from basic computing skills to more advanced software packages.

• More on facilities and courses provided by non-governmental organisations
  http://www.gov.hk/en/residents/communication/publicit/course/itcourse.htm

iResource Centre is a facility in Cyberport serving the public in both tangible and intangible ways. It is set up to provide Cyberport tenants, incubatees and residents, as well as small and medium enterprises with a centralised and easily accessible knowledge base comprising subscribed and public information, such as technical bulletins, research reports, business analyses, multimedia elements, toolkits, books, magazines and publications.

Going beyond its physical existence, iResource Centre gains a share in cyberspace by running a unified Digital Rights Management (DRM) platform for digital content owners and content lovers. This unique platform facilitates content owners to publish their quality audio and/or visual materials by means of providing content identification and robust protection with DRM technologies. Meanwhile, a vast array of content, including educational, entertaining and practical information, is available on the platform for content lovers to download legally and safely. Annual membership fee is HK$240 and members of the public are welcome to apply.

• More information on iResource Centre
  http://www.iresource.hk/eng