Android 1 2 3: A Brief Guide For Android Beginners

This post will guide you to the most key problems and new things after you migrating from other Mobile OS to this Green Robot. Some problems may occur on your mind when you face it. I actually just bought an Android phone at the beginning of this month (when this post posted). After 6 years experiencing on Symbian OS (only until Symbian^1 from Symbian S60 1st Generation), I decided to move to Android as I see Symbian is getting boring. My Android phone is Samsung Galaxy 5 and it’s in affordable price (IDR 1.990.000 or USD 170 when I buy it) with valuable features.

Introduction of Android Market

Android market is the official place where you want to download applications, just like the Apple AppStore, Nokia Ovi Store, Windows Marketplace, etc. Android Market is the only Mobile Store with the greatest free apps available, 55%. All you have to do is only log in with your Google Account, and voila, the market is there. You will know how to use this application because you don’t need any technical learning. You will probably install Facebook and Twitter at first, lol.

Overwhelmingly Increased Bills

For those who ever firstly met with Android phone, you may experiencing problems that your phone bill/balance will exploded/drains rapidly as you have the Android phone. Okay, that is the cause of the push notification and account sync. Turning those things off when you don’t need it will avoid overwhelmingly increased bills or your balance drained drastically.

To turn it off, go to Menu from your Homescreen, and then Settings. Then, tap Accounts and Sync. Then you can turn off Background data and Auto-Sync.

Turn it off only when you have unlimited data plan or you’re in WiFi connection. ps: Twitter or Facebook (only Froyo and higher for Facebook) will not push any updates when you turn Auto-sync off. You can individually switch which account you want to be synced automatically.

Conserve Battery

By default, Android turns on Mobile Data Network and higher network class like UMTS (3G) or EVDO. This drains your battery that your phone is always connected to the internet and being in 3G/EVDO when available. To turn it off, go to Settings (from menu, as usual) then tap Wireless and Networks, and go to Mobile Networks.

Turn off Data Enabled and Data Roaming when you don’t need it. You can only turn on Data Enabled when you need it.

p.s.: In Android 2.1 (Éclair) and lower, Data Enabled is known as Always-On Mobile Data. The option to enable/disable mobile data is only available when you’re not connected into any WiFi networks. Turning off WiFi networks when you don’t need it will also conserve your battery. Syncs also won’t run when you turn any data connections off.

Adjusting the brightness also helps you to conserve battery. Go to Settings then Sound & Display Settings, then tap Brightness. Adjust as you want.

Also, avoid to use Live Wallpapers as it takes more battery resources.

Rooting System

Root is actually common term in any Unix Operating System. Root is actually similar to Administrator in Windows. As Android is based on Linux (Linux is also Unix. Linux is abbreviation of Linus Unix, referring to Linus Trovalds, the owner of Linux’ patent), Root access is also available, but hidden and restricted. Rooting Android will result to access OS components, installing any root-required applications and even customizing your android. But for some vendors, this will void your warranty.

Upgrading Your Android

Upgrading Android is one common geeky reason on using it. Officially, refer to your vendor to get it. Any available updates may vary between any vendors. But, on the internet, there are so many leaked and unofficial firmwares available. They have their own way to upgrade. But, this may void your warranty. If you don’t want to void the warranty, just wait the vendor to release the update.

 

Okay, that’s all. Hope this post useful to you.

Posted in: Android,Digital Lifestyle,Google,Specifications,Touch Screen,Tutorials