Using an iPhone 3G? This is the ebook for you!

Take Control of
iPhone Basics, iOS 4 Edition

Decide which iPhone and accessories to buy, set everything up nicely (including transferring data from a computer), find your way around, and use the apps effectively. Updated in 2011 to discuss the Verizon iPhone! Also now covers buying, making, and using ringtones.

This product has been discontinued.

You can take control of iPhone basics (and beyond) with Karen G. Anderson. Join Karen as she discusses common accessories, and explains how to handle basic startup tasks. You’ll learn about power management, how to connect to the Internet, set up a Bluetooth headset, transfer songs and other media from a computer, create a security passcode, and make folders to hold an expanding app collection. You’ll also receive help with syncing calendar events and contacts, and buying apps.

Although we are not actively updating this ebook, most of the information in it should work nicely with the iPhone 3G, which can’t be updated to a newer version of iOS.

Karen takes you on a tour of the important default apps that come from Apple, so whether you want to understand the mechanics of receiving and placing a phone call, check for voicemail from your boss, run a FaceTime call with your cousin, take a photo and send it to your Mom, play Game Center games with your friends, listen to a podcast, map a route to your next appointment, or match certain contacts to specific ringtones, you’ll find help and advice.

This ebook covers the iPhone 3G, 3GS, and 4, including the Verizon iPhone 4, running iOS 4:

Find answers to these basic questions:

  • What is the purpose of the slots and buttons on my iPhone?
  • How do I connect my iPhone to a computer, and why would I want to?
  • How do I turn my iPhone on, and what if it doesn’t?
  • How do I control the touchscreen with my fingers?
  • How do I answer and “hang up” the phone?

Get help with basic setup tasks including:

  • Connect to networks.
  • Customize your voicemail greeting.
  • Set up your email accounts.
  • Use the Safari Web browser while maintaining your personal security.
  • Move Web bookmarks from your computer to Safari.
  • Transfer songs and podcasts to your iPhone.
  • Set up a Game Center account and invite friends to play with you.
  • Sync calendar and address book info between your computer and your iPhone.
  • Customize the image on your iPhone’s screen.

Here’s a sample of things you’ll learn how to do:

  • Organize app icons into folders.
  • Quickly switch to a recently opened app.
  • Place a call using your voice to “dial” instead of your finger.
  • Make a FaceTime video call.
  • Turn your iPhone into an alarm clock.
  • Look up a date on your calendar.
  • Take a photo and email it to a friend.
  • Get directions and determine which way you’re headed.
  • Quickly access the iPod playback controls.
  • Find your apps and other information on the iPhone.
  • Shop for third-party apps, share them your family, and keep them updated.
  • Create or buy ringtones, sync them with your computer, and assign them to contacts.
What’s New in Version 1.1

Quite a lot has changed with the iPhone since this ebook was released in September of 2010. Here’s a quick list of the highlights of the changes in this version of the ebook:

  • Decide What to Buy now talks about the pros and cons of the new Verizon iPhone 4.
  • I added a few paragraphs that explain the basics of two important new iOS 4.2 features: AirPrint and AirPlay.
  • The iBooks topic in Use the Core Apps talks about enhancements to Apple’s iBooks app.
  • In MobileMe, I’ve added a mention of the fact that Apple’s Find My iPhone and Remote Wipe services are now free in some circumstances.
  • I’ve added Appendix A: Buy and Make Ringtones.

Which version of iOS 4 does this ebook discuss?

In early 2011, we updated the ebook to cover iOS 4.2.

Which iPhone models does this ebook cover?

This ebook explains the iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, and iPhone 4, including the Verizon iPhone 4. In all cases, the ebook assumes that you're using iOS 4 as the operating system running on the iPhone.

The original classic iPhone cannot run iOS 4. For help with an original iPhone, see Take Control of iPhone OS 3 or Take Control of Your iPhone Apps.

How can I figure out which iPhone I have?

An Apple support article has photos and other details to help you pinpoint your model.

Does this ebook cover the iPod touch?

On the one hand, yes, it does. Nearly all the information in this ebook that does not concern using the camera or the cellular data network applies to the iPod touch, so there's a good-sized helping of iPod touch information. However, the ebook does not have special tips or details for iPod touch owners. We wanted to include the iPod touch, but we felt that specifically including it would bog down the text with too many asides about what the iPod touch can and cannot do.

Does this ebook care which type of computer I sync my iPhone with?

Whether you sync with iTunes on the Macintosh or Windows, this ebook has you covered.

  • Read Me First
  • Introduction
  • iPhone Quick Start
  • Decide What to Buy
  • Find Buttons and Ports
  • Connect Your iPhone to a Computer
  • Update Your iPhone’s Software
  • Power Up (and Down)
  • Explore the Interface
  • Connect to Wireless Networks
  • Make and Receive Calls
  • Use, Download, and Manage Apps
  • Move Files and Data 
between the iPhone and Your Computer
  • Find Your Stuff
  • Secure Your iPhone
  • About This Book
  • Appendix A: Buy and Make Ringtones
  • October 20, 2011 -- At this time, we do not plan to update this ebook.

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