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Last Father's Day I got my dad a radical present: an account with a local Internet provider.

In the months that have followed he has gone from an anxious novice to the king of e-mail. He and my brother, who lives in another city, send notes back and forth, analyzing the latest University of Southern California football debacle, comparing investment information and finalizing travel plans. He and my mom also get cyber updates on the new baby.

His online expertise now also extends to the World Wide Web. At age 67, he has much better things to do than sit around all day in front of a computer screen, but he does have research to do for his small consulting business. He's become a maven of museum Web sites, collecting exhibition information on his own, which he uses in reports for his clients.

He has also found some favorite places to explore — a couple of USC fan Web sites, mutual fund information sites, the New York Times and the Boston Globe.

Seniors, like everyone else, are becoming accustomed to life on the Internet. People who had limited knowledge of computers while they were earning a paycheck are now taking some of the free time they have in retirement to get up to speed on the latest technology.

And they have good reason.

Computers, in general, and the Internet, in particular, provide entry into a vast and fascinating world. Computers enable them to stay in touch with distant family members and friends without the cost of long-distance phone bills. They can get information about everything from finances to health care to hobbies at the touch of a keyboard, and make new friends through bulletin boards and live forums.

Those who want to break into computing and the Internet, without breaking out in a sweat at the thought, have become happily surprised at their ability to learn a new skill.

The first step is to amass the resources. Recruit your kids, your friends, even your grandkids for some initial tutoring. Or take a class at the local community college, and read up on the basics. Two good computer books geared toward seniors are "Young@ Heart: Computing for Seniors" by Mary Furlong and Stefan B. Lipson (Osborne McGraw-Hill), and "Computers for Adults (50+): For Those Who Feel Left Behind" by Corinne Simon-Duneau (Citadel Press).

Both are great at explaining the basics. The former is probably more comprehensive, including information about software, multimedia and the Internet along with computer fundamentals. It also plugs a group called SeniorNet, for which Furlong serves as president.

"Computers for Adults (50+)" is more technically oriented and explains the different parts of the computer, peripherals such as printers and CD-ROM drives and care and maintenance.

As for good Web sites, the options run the gamut. You can just as easily find a good golf course as pick up investment tips. The trick is to find some good jumping-off points and learn how to use the Internet search engines, such as Yahoo and Alta Vista.

These sites are tailored to seniors:

*AARP (www.aarp.org): This site offers extensive resources. If you need information on finances, health care, employment, caregiving and even the Web, start here. It also addresses the issues the American Association of Retired Persons advocates, and provides material on volunteer and community programs.

*SeniorNet (www.seniornet.org): This is the site and general meeting place for SeniorNet, the self-described International Community of Computer-Using Seniors. SeniorNet has an online community with forums, a library with online resources and information about membership.

*Age of Reason (www.ageofreason.com): Formerly called "Seniorsnet," this site has more than 5,000 links to sites of interest to those over 50. Click on the Internet Resource Center and you'll find initial listings for sites on countries around the world, automobiles, gardening, hobbies, scams, sports, wine, etc.

*Grand Times (www.grandtimes.com/mags/): This weekly online magazine offers information on travel, products and services geared to seniors, a "senior friendship connection" and even an opportunity to be published. It, too, has a very good listing of other Web sites of interest.

*SeniorLaw (www.seniorlaw.com/index.htm): Not just for lawyers, but for anyone interested in the laws pertaining to seniors. There's information here on Medicare and Medicaid updates, estate planning, trusts and the rights of the elderly and disabled.

*Social Security Administration Online (www.ssa.gov/): Get the latest information about Social Security.

*The Health Care Financing Administration (www.ssa.gov/hefa/hefap2.html): This is the home of Medicare and Medicaid online.

*Widow Net (www.fortnet.org/widownet): An information and support resource for and by widows and widowers; topics discussed include grief, bereavement, recovery and other related issues.

*North American Golf Directory (www.golfdirect.com/): Looking for a comprehensive guide to first-class golf resorts, communities, courses and learning centers? Point your browser here.