Android Phones For Dummies. Gookin Dan

      The compactness of the modern cell phone makes it perfect for a pocket or even the teensiest of party purses. And its well-thought-out design means that you can carry your phone in your pocket or handbag without fearing that something will accidentally turn it on, dial Mongolia, and run up a heck of a cell phone bill.

      Your Android phone most likely features a proximity sensor, so you can even keep the phone in your pocket while you’re on a call. The proximity sensor disables the touchscreen, which ensures that nothing accidentally gets pressed when you don’t want it to be pressed.

      

Don’t forget that you’ve placed the phone in your pocket, especially in your coat or jacket. You might accidentally sit on the phone, or it can fly out when you peel off your coat. The worst fate for any cell phone is to take a trip through the wash. I’m sure your phone has nightmares about it.

       Storing the phone

      I recommend that you find a single place for your phone when you’re not taking it with you: on top of your desk or workstation, in the kitchen, on the nightstand – you get the idea. Phones are as prone to being misplaced as are your car keys and glasses. Consistency is the key to finding your phone.

      Then again, your phone rings, so you can always have someone else call your cell phone to help you locate it.

Chapter 2

      The On/Off Chapter

      IN THIS CHAPTER

      It would be delightful if your Android phone were smart enough to pop out of the box, say “Hello,” and immediately know everything about you. It doesn’t, of course. That introduction is still necessary, and it requires some careful attention. It’s all part of the initial setup-and-configuration process that happens when you initially turn on the phone. And if you haven’t yet turned on your phone, this chapter shows you how.

      Modern, technical gizmos lack an on–off switch. Instead, they feature a power button. In the case of your Android phone, the button is called the Power/Lock key. This key is used in several ways, some of which may not be obvious or apparent.

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The setup process works more smoothly when you already have a Google, or Gmail, account. If you lack such an account, you’re prompted to create one in the setup process.

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The phone won’t start unless the battery is charged. See Chapter 1.

       Turning on your phone for the first time

      The very first time you turn on an Android phone is a special occasion. That’s when you’re required to work through the setup-and-configuration process. Don’t worry: It needs to be done only once. After that, turn on your phone according to the directions in the next section.

      The specifics for the setup and configuration differ depending on the phone’s manufacturer and cellular provider. Odds are pretty good that the people at the Phone Store helped you through the initial setup process. If not, read the generic Android phone setup process outlined in this section, and see the notes at the end of the section for details that may apply to your specific phone.

      1. Press the Power/Lock key to turn on the phone.

      You may have to press and hold the key. When you see the phone’s logo on the screen, you can release the key.

      

It’s okay to turn on the phone while it’s plugged in and charging.

      2. Answer the questions presented.

      • Select your language

      • Activate the phone on the mobile data network

      • Choose a Wi-Fi network (can be done later)

      • Set the time zone

      • Sign in to your Google account

      • Add other online accounts

      • Set location information

      3. After each choice, tap the NEXT button or icon.

      

The button might be labeled with the text NEXT, or it may appear as the Triangle icon, shown in the margin.

      4. Tap the FINISH button.

      From this point on, starting the phone works as described in the next section.

      After the initial setup, you see the phone’s Home screen. Chapter 3 offers details on using the Home screen, which you should probably read right away, before the temptation to play with your new phone becomes unbearable.