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 DE0522@helpfulbooks.co.uk or fill in the coupon below and ask for your free smartphone info pack today.
Cancer June 22 – July 23
Projects launched now stand a good chance of meeting with success. There will be stumbling blocks ahead and you are prepared for this. Your determination to overcome anything obstructing your progress will take you far.
0905 789 3704**
Leo July 24 – Aug 23
There are aspects of life that bring you contentment but also areas that bring cause for concern. No matter how hard it might sound, try to keep your thoughts positive. A financial problem is not going to go away if you ignore it.
0905 789 3705**
Virgo Aug 24 – Sep 23
The care you have put into an important project is starting to pay off and already you sense the rewards coming your way. You will want to show appreciation of all the support, help and advice you have received to get this far.
0905 789 3706** Capricorn Dec 22 – Jan 20
Any financial opportunities that are presented to you now will need some thought. It doesn’t matter how excited you may be about such offers, tread with care. There could be strings attached that will not make this such an attractive offer.
0905 789 3710**
Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19
Someone you loaned money to should have paid you back by now. You’re starting to wonder if they have been taking advantage. However, they will offer to repay the sum they owe. This could make you feel guilty about doubting them.
0905 789 3711**
Pisces Feb 20 – Mar 20
Although it won’t be settled just yet, you will soon get to see the conclusion to what has been a difficult matter. This may have caused some friction over money but, as a result, you will now feel you have more control over your finances.