When you come to the Open Centre, you'll be greeted by our cyberguides!

Paulette and Joe told us about the facilities - and why they love their jobs!

All sorts of people come to the Open Centre - for all sorts of reasons.

Paulette explains, "People drop in to do research, look for jobs online, check their email and find out about events in Sheffield.

"They also come in with web addresses that they've got from TV or the radio, and follow them up.

"And people love to come in to listen to music!"

"People are surprised that it's free" - Paulette

When people come in for their first visit, they are

often surprised at how much is on offer.

"People are surprised that it's free," Paulette explains. "They appreciate that someone helpful is on hand to offer help and advice."

Why does the BBC have an Open Centre?

"They love the special events, and they like the nice environment!"

If you'd like to learn a new skill, then you can learn at your own speed. There's no commitment, and you can go as slowly or as quickly as you like.

Joe says, "It's not at all like school. It's about as far from that as you can get.

"It's not at all like school" - Joe

"You're not trapped into a course. You can drop in when it suits you and pick up where you left off."

So what do the cyberguides think of the Open Centre?

Paulette says, "I think it's brilliant that people are learning a new skill without worrying about the cost.

"They can embrace new technology in a comfortable, supportive environment. They can even get a cup of coffee if they like!

"People often come in scared of computers, but they go out confident. They're always thrilled by how much information is out there.

Meet the people who visit the Open Centre!

Paulette and Joe find their jobs very rewarding, too.

Joe tells us, "It's lovely to come in and see someone who didn't know how to use a mouse surfing the Internet and sending emails.

Learn about computers with the BBC!

"Each time they come in, they take on a new challenge."

The cyberguides have helped people to book holidays - and even buy houses - using the power of the Internet.

But one of the cyberguides' favourite aspects is the social one.

Visitors often make friends with each other, and cyberguides Joe and Lauren were recently invited to a regular visitor's wedding!

So come in, learn with the BBC - and you might leave with more than an email account!