ALL ABOUT USING YOUR ANDROID DEVICE

INTRODUCTION: What do we mean when we talk about an “Android device”? “Android” is the name of the device’s Operating System – just as our computers work with a version of the “Windows” Operating System. There are literally hundreds of types of Android devices from many different manufacturers. We will be talking about tablets, pads and smartphones. Regardless of which type of device we’re talking about, all can be tailored to serve your own individual needs. Android devices operate differently from Apple devices.

A couple of ‘phones . . . Different sizes. Different manufacturers. Different icons. Different layouts.

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT WHEN BUYING YOUR ANDROID DEVICE: What are you going to use it for? What services are offered by the manufacturer? (More important with telephones than tabs / pads.) What features are most important to you? Conduct extensive research using independent sources like CNET and PCMag. Price. Often less expensive initial outlay when you buy a contract. Screen size. Carrier services – quality and cost.

ON-LINE vs IN-STORE Be careful if you decide to buy on-line. If a deal appears too good to be true, it usually is! Individual suppliers – Bell, Rogers, Shaw, Fido, etc. You will obviously be limited to one particular supplier’s offerings. Bulk stores – Best Buy, The Source, Staples, Future Shop. Wider choice of offerings from different manufacturers all in one place. Both types of store have on-site technical assistance.

FIRST STEPS Make sure you have a Google account. If not, establish one. (Android belongs to Google and you will be relying on them for current information relating to your device.) Familiarize yourself with your device’s GUI (Graphical User Interface). This determines how you will navigate around the functions on your device. Get to know your Home Screen and the apps (applications) on it. Your Home Screen can be adapted to your own desires/requirements.

BASIC APPS Your device will come with a number of basic apps: ‘Phone – for smartphones; Messaging – texting or ‘Hangouts’ (for Google chats); E-Mail – wide choice of e-mail systems; People – same as your ‘Contacts’ on your computer; Camera – wide range of qualities; Browser – choose your own favourite; Play Store – source for additional apps; and Settings – very important for adapting your device to your own requirements.

BASIC “GESTURES” “Gestures” are what you will use to interact with your device’s touchscreen: Tap = ‘click’; Tap & Hold = ‘right-click’; Drag = scroll or move icons; Swipe left or right = flip through photo’s, etc.; Double-tap = zoom in or out; and Pinch = open & close thumb & forefinger to zoom in or out.

ACCESSING INTERNET via Wi-Fi Open Apps view from Home Screen. Tap on Settings icon. Scroll through list to find Wi-Fi and ensure that it is switched-on. Tap Wi-Fi to display list of available networks. Select your network. (Enter password if necessary). Your device will remember your choice for future use.

Wi-Fi (cont.)

USING THE KEYBOARD Keyboard will automatically appear when required – e.g. if you are text-messaging or composing an e- mail.

WORKING WITH APPS Apps can be accessed either directly from your Home Screen, or else by tapping the Apps icon.

ADDING APPS TO HOME SCREEN Icons represent shortcuts to apps in the same way as with your computer. Open Apps view. Select required app – tap and hold it. (Don’t let go!) Special view of your Home Screen will be displayed. Drag and drop the icon where you want it. NOTE: If your Home Screen is full, drag the icon all the way to the right-hand edge and a new (extension) Home Screen will be created. Navigate between multiple Home Screens by swiping right of left.

MOVING OR REMOVING APPS Drag and drop to move icons. To remove the icon - (NOT the app) – drag and drop into the “Remove” option.

‘PHONE CALLS (‘Smartphone’) Your ‘phone app is usually located in the tray at the bottom of your Home Screen.

‘PHONE CALLS (‘Smartphone’) When you tap the ‘phone icon, the keypad should appear. Dial number (or get it from your ‘People’ (Contacts) list. When you’ve finished, tap the red button to hang up!

‘PHONE CALLS (cont.) You will have gathered that pads / tablets don’t come with a telephone feature per se. However, you can load an app like ‘Skype’ which, when used in conjunction with your internet access capability, enables you to conduct a “face- to-face” conversation with your correspondent.

TEXT MESSAGING (Smartphones) Open the Messaging app on your device. To start a new conversation tap the ‘New Message’ button.

TEXT MESSAGING (cont) Enter ‘phone number (or name) of the person you wish to text. Enter your message, then press the ‘Send button. When the other person replies, his/her message will appear in the same ‘thread’.

TAKING PHOTO’S The camera app can vary quite a bit from device to device. However, you will likely find the interface intuitive. You can find details in your device’s manual or its manufacturer’s website. Open your device’s camera app and snap away! Depending on its storage capacity the photo’s can be stored on the actual device or on “the cloud”. (Note also that you can transfer the pictures to your computer for further manipulation if desired.)

E-MAIL Usually one of the most popular apps for use on your device. If you already have a G-Mail account, details can be made available from existing data. Alternative e-mail apps are also available if you don’t want to use G-mail. There is usually an all-purpose e-mail app pre- installed on most devices. All work in a manner similar to the system you have become used-to. Here’s an illustration of what the G-mail alternative looks like . . .

E-mail (cont.)

PROTECTING YOUR DEVICE Familiarize yourself with your device’s ‘Screen Lock’ capability and decide how best to use it. Know when it is/is not safe to use public w-fi facilities. Update your Android O/S whenever prompted to do so. Know how to access and use your ‘Security’ settings. As with your computer, be careful when downloading apps. Make sure you can trust its source. Make sure you have installed good anti-virus and anti-malware apps. Maintain your device to maximize performance – e.g. display brightness, unused apps, etc.