Most of us feel insecure when we have to familiarize ourselves with a new operating system. And despite the fact that today Android can be found on the overwhelming number of electronic devices, there are still many users who are not familiar with it.
Many system features are never used by users
If you are one of these people, we will provide you with the most important information on how to understand the system, we will introduce you to it. In general, before you is a kind of instruction called "Android for Dummies", which contains all the relevant tips for working with the platform.
Turn on the device, go to your account and establish an Internet connection
Following the instructions, we turn on our smartphone or tablet, after which the system desktop will appear in front of you, or, if the device is turned on for the first time, the initial setup wizard will start. For example, on a smartphone, the wizard suggests doing the following:
What is the system interface?
After setting up your smartphone or device, even if you have not gone through the wizard, you will see the desktop of your gadget.
What is he like? You will be presented with the following symbols and icons:
It is worth noting that on tablets with Android, a quick menu opens in the bottom line, where you can turn on Wi-Fi, find out about the battery charge and other important information - to open it, just make a movement from the bottom up in the watch area. On smartphones running this system, to open the notification menu, you need to swipe your finger across the entire screen from top to bottom.
We looked at what the desktop looks like, now let's move on to the main Android menu.
It is made in the form of a general list with icons and the names of programs, or in the form of several desktops with the same lists of applications - there is nothing complicated in viewing them. In the general menu, you will find all the elements of your device, there are also settings for your smartphone or tablet.
Internet use on Android
If you've already established an internet connection, it's time to learn how to use your browser. In the case when Wi-Fi is turned off, you can activate it in the mentioned notification menu or through the settings that you will find in the menu. After you open the section, activate Wi-Fi, then the device will automatically search for networks. The only thing left to do is to select a network from the list, enter a password, if necessary, and click "Connect".
How to access the Internet on Android?
To do this, follow these instructions:
- Select the browser installed in your smartphone or tablet, open it.
- Then you can use the browser in the same way as on a computer - in front of you there will be a line for entering an address, the ability to add tabs, and additional icons hide menus for adding bookmarks, viewing the history of page visits, and so on.
In general, there is nothing complicated in working with the browser on a tablet or smartphone - if you do not know some functions or icons, just try them.
We just missed one point - to enter the website address, you need a keyboard.
How to work with the keyboard?
The keyboard will automatically open whenever you click on the line where this or that text or message is entered. Therefore, launching it is a simple matter, and if you need to remove the input tool, just click "Back".
You should know the following about working with the keyboard:
How do I add other languages to the keyboard?
This is done in the settings, where there is a menu dedicated to input tools - in it you can add languages, enable or disable dictionaries, and perform other keyboard settings.
In tablets, input settings are available in the bottom line, next to the clock - the corresponding symbol in the form of dots appears every time the keyboard is turned on, so you don't even have to go into the menu and look for the desired section in the settings.
How to use the Google Play Market?
This service is an application where you can find thousands of different programs for your Android device. As a rule, the Play Market is by default in the menu of your tablet or smartphone, to use it you need a Google account - if you have not logged in before, you will do this when you first start the store.
So how do you use this miracle? Everything is very simple - choose the application you like or find it through the search bar, click "Install", and then the equipment will cope with everything on its own.
If you need to uninstall a program or transfer it to a memory card, the latter is necessary when there is little space on the device itself, and you can do this in the settings. A separate section contains all applications installed on your gadget.
File manager and how to watch movies and listen to music on Android
To view media files, there is a separate application called Gallery or Media Vault, which you will find in the main menu. There is nothing difficult in using them, the created folders distribute photos, videos that are in the device's memory or on a card.
If you need audio files, books and a general list of files on the device, there is a file manager for this, which on the Android system is called Explorer.
By the way, when viewing photos and you can immediately install them on the desktop, or as an image of a contact from the phone book. In general, setting up backgrounds, widgets and other aesthetic components is a large and separate topic.
How to set a ringtone?
If you use an Android smartphone, you probably want to hear your favorite melody on a call. This is done through the settings - go to the Sound menu, click on the Ringtone line, where you can select the required file. As you can see, in this menu you can completely edit the call settings. You can set the melody you like in the player while listening to music - you will find the corresponding function in the menu.
Thanks to this quick guide to Android, you learned the minimum set of the most important sections and system settings that will allow you to start your confident use of your smartphone or tablet. The main thing is not to be afraid to try and find out what you have not seen before. In general, the use of this platform will certainly be simple and understandable for you, because everything in it is thought out logically and consistently.
Android: instructions for use
The history of one of the most famous mobile platforms begins back in 2003. However, many people mistakenly believe that the start of this giant falls on 2008, when the first version 1.0 was released to the world. In fact, the gears of the huge mechanism spun 5 years earlier, at the moment when Andy Rubin and his friends decided to implement their own mobile operating system. It was then that they registered a company called Android Inc.
However, before creating the operating system itself, the developers focused on devices that could work on them. Communicators had to support GPS technology, adapt to the needs of the user and constantly be with them. But the mobile phones that existed at that time could hardly cope with the task.
As a result, a little-known startup that did not generate any income and did not receive the necessary investments, as a result of which, already in 2005, the founders of the company completely spent their entire budget on research. And, on this, the story of one of the best OS could have ended, but the company was noticed by Google, which bought it just a few months after the bankruptcy. From this moment the modern history of the mobile platform begins, and it was then that the first detailed instructions for Android appeared.
The first working version of the operating system was officially released on September 23, 2008, and the Android user manual, as well as the system itself, were completely free, since they were originally conceived as an open platform. In our country, the Android user manual in Russian became available after a few months. Further, the system begins to develop rapidly and acquire new capabilities and functions.
Android Benefits
Today users are divided into two camps: adherents of Android and iOS. Both systems are convenient, but they are strikingly different. It is quite easy to understand the difference if you download the Android and iOS instructions for free.
So, after reading the Android user manual in Russian, you can immediately conclude that this is a completely open and free operating system. The user does not need to purchase any programs and applications in order to work with their favorite gadgets.
Another indisputable plus is the possibility of complete personalization for the user. Each owner of a device on this OS can easily customize it individually. You can change everything - the lock screen, the location of shortcuts and widgets, add new icons and many other features.
Many people note the convenience of supporting several user accounts at once. This allows several people to work with tablets and smartphones at once. For example, you can create a child account and set limited access to applications. You can find out about this and much more right now if you download the Android manual.
The disadvantages include the fact that most manufacturers of mobile technology create their own frames with unique design and functions, which significantly changes the original core of the system. Very often, such "innovations" become the reason for the incorrect operation of the operating system. But, if the user wants to work with "pure" Android, today you can buy smartphones from the Nexus or Pixel line, which are produced by Google together with LG, HTC, Samsung and other well-known companies.
The number of tablets and smartphones running Android OS is growing every day. At the moment, Android is one of the most popular operating systems, so there is nothing surprising in the fact that more and more users acquire gadgets with this particular operating system.
But tablet computers running Android OS have several significant differences from phones, smartphones, PDAs and tablets with other operating systems. Therefore, some users experience a slight discomfort immediately after buying a new device with an unfamiliar Android. Do not be afraid of this seemingly formidable shell. It was created in order to make the management of your mobile equipment more convenient and easier, which you will soon see for yourself. For now, just follow a few simple tips:
- To begin with, do not spare your time and try to at least superficially familiarize yourself with the instructions for the tablet. In general, all Android devices are very similar in terms of the placement of buttons and menus, but sometimes meticulous manufacturers (for example, Samsung or HTC) can shift the image of a panel or icon. And, in order not to waste time looking for it, it is better to take a couple of minutes to read the instructions.
- If you haven't done so before, you will now need to turn on your tablet. This is done using a button on the side panel or at the bottom of the device. The same button in most cases is responsible for locking the screen.
- Then you should look around and familiarize yourself with the "stuffing" of the device. Since Android OS is the property of Google, don't be surprised if you immediately find a range of icons with Google services. Moreover, many of these services will only work after connecting the tablet computer to the Internet.
- Understand some simple things to take for granted:
- when you rotate the display, the picture on the screen will also flip;
- when you click on the return button (by default, it is in the lower left corner of the device), any program, game or menu will be closed and you will return to where you were before it was launched;
- when you exit to the main menu, all running applications will be minimized.
What to do after the first acquaintance with the tablet?
Once you've tried out your new Android OS device, you can start customizing it to your liking. To begin with, it is advisable to connect the tablet to the Internet, since you will have to download many programs, games and even design from the network. Do not forget that most modern tablet computers have a Wi-Fi module that will allow you to use the Internet in almost any cafe and other public places ().
Try to master the control of your Internet browser as quickly as possible. With it, you can download and install a variety of things, from useful programs to pictures or videos. Also learn how to use the store. In it you will find a lot of interesting applications for every taste. Moreover, many games and programs are distributed in it for free. Please note that you need a Google account () to use it.
Once you learn how to download and install apps from Google Play or any other source, you can complete a myriad of tasks with your tablet. It is enough just to find the application you are interested in (a convenient player, a reader for books, specific applications, toolbars for viewing current exchange rates, weather forecasts, etc.) and install it to completely customize your favorite Android device to your needs. And very soon you will completely forget that at first the new tablet with an unfamiliar "operating system" seemed difficult to manage!
Several video tutorials on working with a tablet:
Desktop
Notification panel
Desktop customization
Getting to know the virtual keyboard
Sound settings
Setting the date and time on your tablet
Widgets
Introduction
The operating system Android (Android) today is hardly inferior in prevalence to Windows. It is used in over 90% of smartphones and tablets. A distinctive feature of its user (graphical) interface is that it is designed to be used without a keyboard and mouse - just with a screen that reacts to finger touches (touchscreen).
In general, Android controls are not difficult.
In some details, this instruction may not coincide with the Android interface on a specific device. The fact is that some device manufacturers change the standard Android interface. Samsung makes especially big changes.
Nevertheless, the general principles of the organization of the interface are preserved.
Screen Unlock & Android Desktop
The first thing you will see after turning on your device is the unlock screen:
You need to touch the image of the lock with your finger and, without releasing your finger, drag it to the right, to the border of the circle and release there:
Note. On some devices, instead of the image of the lock, there may be another. But the principle remains the same - you need to slide your finger across the screen.
After unlocking the screen, the desktop will open on which all the controls are concentrated:
At the very bottom of the screen there is a status bar and a system tray - they are black. The main control buttons are located in the status line, from left to right:
- Back button. Returns to the previous window of the active program. If the program has one window, this button closes the program.
- Home button. Return to desktop. Minimizes the active program and opens the desktop.
- Swap button. Opens a preview of all running programs. This allows you to conveniently switch between running programs.
- Window button. Menu of the active program. Opens a menu with commands for the program that is currently active.
- Adjusts the speaker volume.
- Take a screenshot of the screen.
Note. On some devices, the volume and screenshot buttons may not appear in the status bar.
The system tray is located at the right end of the status line. It displays program messages, program icons. If you touch the tray, a menu with quick settings will open:
Note. Not on all devices, when you touch the tray, the quick settings menu opens. Some manufacturers may not have such a menu. Or it can be opened differently, for example, by sliding your finger from the top of the screen.
Just above the status line is a launcher with shortcuts to selected programs.
Touchscreen Android
All control of programs and Android itself is carried out through touching the screen. Android divides touches (also called gestures) by their nature:
- Quick touch (touch and immediately remove your finger) - similar to a computer double-clicking a mouse or pressing enter. Performs a default operation, such as starting a program or opening a file.
- A "long" touch (touch and hold your finger) - similar to a computer right-click - offers additional operations. Or selects text, file, element.
- "Scaling" - touching with two fingers at the same time and then moving them towards each other or vice versa. Increases or decreases the font in the document or the size of the picture.
- "Scrolling" - sliding your finger across or along the screen. Displays elements that are hidden off the screen. For example, a list of files, the next picture in the gallery, the next page of a document.
Working with files in Android
Opening, copying and deleting files in Android is performed in the same way as in any other OS - through a special file manager program. There are many such programs for Android. The file manager that comes with Android is easy to use:
In the top panel there are buttons that show the folder you are currently in. And buttons for available operations. A quick touch on a folder opens that folder. A quick tap on a file opens that file.
If you need to select files (folders) for copying or deleting, you need to make a long touch on one file and when it is selected, select the rest:
Highlighted files can be deleted, copied, cut or sent via Bluetooth or WiFi. If you need to copy or transfer files, then after selecting and copying (cutting) them, you need to go to another folder and press the "Paste" button there.
If you need to select all files in a folder, this is done as follows:
First, select the first file (with a long tap), then touch the "Selected" button. An additional "Select All" button will open.
Programs can be launched through shortcuts in the launcher or on the desktop, as well as through the main Android menu.
If you tap on the program menu icon in the launcher, the program menu will open:
All installed programs may not fit on one screen. To scroll through the menu, you need to slide your finger from right to left.
If you make a short touch on the program shortcut, it will be launched. If you touch and hold your finger, after a while the desktop will become visible and you can move your finger to move the shortcut to the desktop.
Switching between programs in Android
If you touch the button for switching between programs -.
A screen will open in which there will be a preview of all running programs:
On this screen, you need to touch the desired program.
If the program window is quickly moved down, the program will be closed.
How to close a program in Android
The first way. Press the "Back" button - in the Android taskbar. But if it is a program with several windows, for example a browser, it is inconvenient to use this button. In addition, the program does not actually close, it becomes invisible, but it continues to remain in the RAM.
Second way. Press the "Window" button -.
If the program has a main menu, it can have an exit or close command:
Or this program menu:
Third way. Press the "Swap" button - in the Android taskbar. Then find the preview of the window and move it down:
The fourth way. Open the system settings, go to the application tab, then open the "Running" programs tab and touch the desired program:
and in the new screen press the "Stop" button
Note
Android programs don't actually close in the first three ways! That is, they continue to hang in the background and can work in the background. Eating up battery and even Internet traffic.
Moreover, even after the program is closed, in the fourth way, it can start again after some time. When an event occurs. For example, when connected to the Internet.
Therefore, periodically you need to look through the list of running programs and stop unnecessary ones.
Installing programs on Android
Internet connection on Android
On most android devices, you can connect to the Internet through cellular networks or WiFi. Both of these methods are available through the device settings - the Wireless networks section.
If you need to switch from WiFi to 3G or vice versa, you must first turn off the current Internet source and only then turn on another.
The keyboard in Android appears on the screen automatically when you touch the data entry field:
The keyboard that comes with Android is not very comfortable. On it, the number keys and special character keys have been moved to another set to which you need to switch. In addition, it does not have arrow keys to move the cursor and there are no Alt, Ctrl keys. Second set of symbols:
And the third set of symbols:
As you can see, if you need curly braces, you will have to change two sets of keys in order to get to them.
However, in Android, the keyboard is a program and this means that it can be replaced with another one. For example on Hacker "s Keyboard:
It's almost like a real keyboard. Most importantly, it has arrow keys to move the cursor. This is very convenient because moving the cursor a few characters with your finger or a graphic slider is hell. But since there are more keys on it, their size is smaller and you need to work with it more carefully.
To switch languages, on the Hacker "s Keyboard, you need to slide your finger on the spacebar.
Switching between keyboards is done in Android settings:
Selecting and copying text in Android
When actively working with texts on a computer device, sooner or later there will be a need to copy the text and transfer it to another program (document). In ordinary operating systems, this is done easily - the context menu or Ctrl + C. In Android, it is more difficult. First, on some word from the fragment that you want to copy, quickly, double-tap the screen. The word will be highlighted and two sliders will appear:
Holding the slider with your finger, you can move it and thus select as much text as you need. After that, you need to touch the selected text and do not release your finger until the menu appears:
In which you need to select "Copy". This menu may look different in different programs. For example, there may be icons instead of text.
Then go to the program (document) where you need to insert the text and in the right place touch the screen and hold your finger until a similar menu appears, but select "Insert" accordingly.
Of course, copying text in Android is inconvenient. But there is fish in the absence of fish and cancer.
Summary
Of course, a device running Android can not fully replace a full-fledged computer, nevertheless, at the very least, but common types of work can be performed on it. Up to editing simple files MS Word, Excel.
If your Android device supports USB-Host (OTG) mode then you can connect a USB mouse and keyboard to it and it will be much easier to work with text.
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Everyone starts with their own learning from scratch, no one from birth knows how to use the operating system, in fact, like other OCs. With each version of Android OS, its functionality increases, it becomes more complex and becomes as functional as possible. But it’s more and more difficult for a beginner to deal with it, especially if he does not know how to use a desktop PC. Especially for such people, the book "A self-explanatory tutorial. Android tablet" was published.
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