How to use the tablet

Tablet computers are a technology that appeared on the shelves of tech markets a relatively long time ago, and while the majority of users mastered it almost instantly and began to use it successfully, some still remain in the dark and do not see a significant difference between a tablet and a laptop or PC.

This article is intended for the second type of people and is intended to dot all the i's on the question of what a tablet is and how to use it. So, how to learn to use a tablet - instructions for beginners.

Why should you buy a tablet?

In order to simplify the definition of the term “tablet computer” as much as possible, we can say that it is actually the same as a laptop or PC. The main difference between a tablet computer and a personal computer is its mobility (the gadget can work without any wires, not counting the charger). You can take such a gadget with you on a long trip to listen to music or stay in touch with friends and colleagues. In addition to mobility, a tablet differs from a laptop or PC:

• Smaller dimensions and weight
• The so-called touchscreen (touch screen)
• Lack of a keyboard (on most models it is possible to connect it, but many successfully make do with an on-screen “keyboard”)
• Ability to expand internal memory by installing an SD card (on most devices)
• Some models have a camera and a SIM card slot, which turns the tablet into a multifunctional phone

Reference! Most modern tablets run on the Android operating system from manufacturers from Google, so when you first start the device you can find a large number of shortcuts and software from this manufacturer on its desktop.

Beginners are not recommended to immediately launch them and try to figure out what’s what, since such a variety of software can easily get confused.

Where to start mastering the tablet?

After the device is launched for the first time, it is worth setting the date and time on it, changing the language if the default one does not suit the user, and deciding on other minor settings. In order to do all this, you can use the “Settings” menu (if Russian is set as the main language, the menu will be called “Settings”).

• The settings menu shortcut is usually shaped like a small gear, so it won't be difficult to find.
• In the “security” item, you can set a password for the device so that no one except the owner or his relatives can use the device. Many people set a graphic key as a password - a kind of “pattern”, connecting lines in a certain sequence between nine dots.
• In the “Sound” and “Screen” menus, you can set the brightness, volume and screen backlight settings that are most convenient for the user.

Reference! If the constant “rotation” of the screen from horizontal to vertical display when moving the device annoys the user, in the same menu he can disable the auto-rotate screen function.

How to learn to use a tablet?

When the basic settings have been adjusted to be as user-friendly as possible, you can proceed to realizing the technical potential of the device and connecting it to the network. All tablets have the function of connecting to the Internet via a Wi-Fi network, and some models can even use 3g and 4g networks. In order to connect the device to a Wi-Fi network, you still need to select the appropriate item in the same settings menu, and then from the list of suggested networks select the one to which you have access.

For whatever purpose you purchase a tablet computer, over time you will need to install the appropriate software on it. For work, this can be a text editor, a file manager, a mail viewer, and so on. For entertainment, these can be browsers, various games, e-books and applications. Most useful software can be downloaded from the PlayMarket service from the same Google. The service is easy to use, and installation of certain applications occurs in just a few clicks.

Reference! Inexperienced users are strictly not recommended to download any applications from third-party sources, as... in this case, there is a high probability of “catching” a virus on the device, which will slow down or completely negate the operation of the operating system.

Tips and tricks

As for the main tablet buttons, they are responsible for navigation on the device. The central button is called “home” and its purpose is to redirect the user to the main screen. This button does not close applications, but simply minimizes them.

The list of active applications can be seen using the processes button, usually located to the right or left of the previous button.In order to go to the desired application, after clicking this button, you just need to select it from the proposed list.

The Back button (sometimes marked with a curved arrow) returns you to the previous screen, closes the application, or asks permission to close it. This button helps you navigate web pages and applications.

To prevent the device's battery from draining too quickly, it is a good idea to close unused applications, as well as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth functions if they are not used for a long time. All applications and enabled sensors gradually consume power even in the “background” mode, so disabling them will significantly increase the time until the next necessary recharge of the device.