An Android tablet is not a computer. An Android phone is not a computer. Sure, it’s technically
a computer, but so is your microwave. You may consider yourself an old
hand at using computers, but mobile devices have their own unique way of
doing things. Understand these seven basic items, and you’ll be well on
your way to becoming more familiar and comfortable with your new
Android gizmo.
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| Important Things Every New Android User Should Know |
1. You aren't in control of Android upgrades
Oh sure, you can try to update your phone's operating system: A command buried in the Settings app makes it appear that you can check for Android operating system updates: Choose About Phone or About Device, then choose System Update or Software Update. Tap away at the Check Now command to your heart’s content. It’s not really doing anything useful—it’s merely a coincidence if the operation actually works.
Unlike a computer, you are not in charge of updates for your Android
device. That job is handled by your phone/tablet manufacturer or your
cellular provider. Historically speaking, updates are infrequent. Apps
are updated all the time, and you see notification icons to that effect.
When it comes to upgrading the operating system, however, you are not
in the driver’s seat.
2. Apps quit on their own
One thing that surprises most new Android users is that apps lack a Quit
or Exit command. Instead of quitting, you tap the Home icon or switch
to another app form the Recent apps list. So how do you quit an app?
Short answer: You don’t!
The Android operating system manages apps for you. If you neglect an app
for a while, or another app requests more resources, then the operating
system stops an app. Otherwise, you don’t need to worry about starting
too many apps or running out of memory.
If you really want to stop an app, you can double-tap the home button,
then when the recent apps screen appears (above), swipe the app to the
side to kill it.
3. Android devices are about sharing
On a computer, you start a program and then choose a file to work with
or attach. On an Android device, you look at the item that you want to
save or send, and then you share it by touching the Share icon.
For example, to email a photo you first open an app where you can view
the photo. Tap the Share icon, then choose an app to send, edit, or save
the photo. Use that app to complete the operation, such as sending the
photo as an email attachment. Printing works the same way: View the
photo then choose which app to use for printing.
“Share” doesn’t always mean “post on social media or send to other
people.” You might share a video with a cloud storage app to archive it,
or share a webpage with an offline reading app like
Pocket to save it for later.
