Now’s the time to tackle your smartphone
Smartphones – modern mobile phones that can do everything from browse the web to make video calls – can be great. It’s amazing what they can do – all in a gadget you can fit in your pocket and take with you when you go out.
But when you buy one, there’s something missing.
It’s not the charger (hopefully!) It’s not a case, though it’s usually a good idea to buy one to protect your new phone.
It’s a manual – a proper one (not just a folded up scrap of paper). Something to show you how to use the thing.
The manufacturers seem to assume that you’ll just know how to use it, as if by magic. It’s “intuitive” they say.
Well, it can be. In parts. But there are other things you simply need to know how to do. It’s not obvious that you have to swipe from the top of the screen, pull up from the bottom or tap with two fingers instead of one.
Who would know you had to use two fingers and pull them apart on the screen or rotate them... or that they’d bury the option you want behind three little dots?
Things like that you just can’t know – someone has to explain it to you.
But if you do ever find a book about it or get someone to tell you, they always seem to assume you already know how to do it. Daft, really – you wouldn’t be asking if you did. But they whizz through it so fast you can’t possibly take it in. Not to mention the steps they leave out because “everyone knows that”!
That’s where a set of books from a small, employee-owned company in Cumbria comes in. The company is called The Helpful Book Company and lots of their customers say they certainly live up to their name!
They’ve published iPhones One Step at a Time and Android Phones One Step at a Time – and these books have proved hugely popular with all sorts of people who have a smartphone – but who aren’t experts at using it.
Whether you’re frustrated with the very basics, want to know what else it can do for you or wish you knew how to do some of the slightly fancier things, this book might be just what you need.
In plain English, without confusing jargon...
It explains everything nice and simply, in plain English, without all the confusing jargon and gobbledegook. And it has lots of pictures showing exactly what to do – where to tap the screen and so on.
The company have already published books about computers and tablets that have helped thousands of people but they actually started much smaller – the author (Tim Wakeling) wrote some notes to help his Mum and Dad on their PC and realised that other people might find them useful too. Several thousand happy people later, they decided to bring out a book on smartphones as well – and if you’ve ever been frustrated with your
phone, it’s worth finding out more.
As a small independent publisher, the books aren’t in the shops or available on Amazon, but you can get a free information pack telling you about what’s covered in the books, who they’re
suitable for and how to get hold of them just ring 01229 777606, email us at DE0521@helpfulbooks.co.uk or fill in the coupon below and ask for your free smartphone info pack today.
Cancer June 22 – July 23
Commitments to a relationship are interfering with responsibilities elsewhere. For this reason, you may decide to end your liaison. This won’t be an easy decision for either of you and it will only be made after a lot of discussion.
0905 789 3704**
Leo July 24 – Aug 23
There’s a stronger sense of co-operation in the home. You will agree on financial goals and you feel confident about making plans. Someone will take you by surprise by taking the initiative in a matter you thought they weren’t keen on.
0905 789 3705**
Virgo Aug 24 – Sep 23
A relative is going out of their way to support you. Speak out if there is anything you don’t understand and there will be someone close by who will know how to put your mind at ease. Some will be more supportive than you expected.
0905 789 3706**
Capricorn Dec 22 – Jan 20
No matter how hard you try to reason with a stubborn relative, they won’t listen. You wouldn’t be bothered about this if you didn’t care. Someone is not making good choices and they aren’t making life easy for you through their behaviour.
0905 789 3710**
Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19
Responsibilities will ease but for now it will be necessary to turn down an offer due to commitments. You would have loved to have accepted but if you’re making personal sacrifices for someone else’s benefit, try to hide your regret.
0905 789 3711**
Pisces Feb 20 – Mar 20
You might wonder what’s got into everyone. There are disagreements in places where there should be accord and harmony.You could do with some help in a matter that is causing you a lot of anxiety but you feel you aren’t being supported.
0905 789 3712**
**Calls cost 80p per minute plus your telephone company’s network access charge – maximum of five minutes duration. You must be over 18 and have the bill payer’s permission. Service Provider: Spoke. Helpline: 0333 202 3390.