Got an android but don't know how to use it

[billabonggirl]

I was using a blackberry, but have been without a phone for a couple months. I got the Samsung Infuse yesterday but I don't know how to use it. I basically know how to text and call and that's it. Everything I've read online is too complicated for me, I'm not great with technology. My phone is rooted, but what does that even mean? What are widgets, folders, etc? Can I get apps onto my phone by connecting it to my laptop by USB ? How do I do that?
Thanks for any help you can give me

 

[Angelsnecros]

Well, I suspect you didn't buy the phone from the retailer since it's rooted. A rooted phone means someone has manually overridden some settings on the phone which give you "super user access." Each phone will have apps and settings that you just can't change. A rooted phone will basically allow someone the ability to reprogram it. This means whatever warranty you might have had from the manufacturer is void. SO DON'T BREAK IT! Buy a protective case.

The Androids are meant to be very customizable even without rooting it. For example: Dont like the androids built in on screen keyboard? No problem. You can download an app from the Marketplace to use as the default keyboard. Don't like the contact book? You can download a different contact book. Most features can be changed or replaced by usings an app. If you want your phone to do something special there is most likely an app for it. Just search in the marketplace.

Also, If you download a special SMS (text msg) client from the app store you'll also be presented with the option of using that app or the default android app the next time you press a button to launch a SMS. You can set new apps to be the default app so that the new app will always launch when sending a SMS.

All of your apps will be installed to a special app screen which you should be able to easily access by an icon on your phone or from the Home screen.

If you long press on the home screen you can also add widgets (like a clock). Many apps will also have widgets which can be put on the home screens. Experiment using long press and different swiping motions to figure out what things do. Many apps and screens will respond to a long press.

Android has a lot of functionality. If youre not a tech savvy person youre going to have a big learning curve. Really the best way to learn, if youre a newbe, is to go on youtube and search for Android 101 or anything android related.

Do a search for Android guides and you may find some useful info as well.

 

[chanchan05]

I was using a blackberry, but have been without a phone for a couple months. I got the Samsung Infuse yesterday but I don't know how to use it. I basically know how to text and call and that's it. Everything I've read online is too complicated for me, I'm not great with technology. My phone is rooted, but what does that even mean? What are widgets, folders, etc? Can I get apps onto my phone by connecting it to my laptop by USB ? How do I do that?
Thanks for any help you can give me

Widgets are like little display windows on your desktop that shows information. In a way, they are android's version of Windows Desktop gadgets. The previous post already mentioned how to access them.

Folders in Android are essentially the same as folders in Windows. They're for organizing stuff. Exact definition of folders may differ if you are in the interface or in the file manager. The file manager is basically like Windows Explorer, you can find the files for the apps and your own files there. Folders in the interface just let you organize the apps

No you arent usually able to install apps from your PC to phone. They have to be directly installed to phone by wifi or network internet.

As for how to use it, think of it as a little computer.

 

[dan330]

my phone is rooted and have custom ROM loaded... so things are a little different on my phone (htc with sense).

but I think there was an app for beginners.. to go over the basics. I hope it is on your samsung phone.

then just play with the apps available on your phone first..
the widgets.. by long pressing any open area on the homescreen.

then ask specific questions.. we will try to help.

 

[!on]

As mentioned above, long press on an empty space on your screen.

Now: a list will pop up asking what you want to add; choose widgets & look for the "Homescreen Tips". You can interact with this widget by simply touching it, it will tell you how to manage things on your screen.

You can press the home button at the bottom to get your "app drawer", all of your apps will be there. Or you can do the above & choose what to add.

Your phone already has an app called "Market" where you can download more apps & widgets.

 

[droidluvr]

Read around these forums, you're bound to learn a lot! I know I did.