TT Class 3- Advancing Smartphone Concepts

This class is intended to increase the users' understanding and ability to use different types of mobile apps. This is different from Me/My Ops/SCTG/SCTG Lessons & Tutoring/Tech Thursday Unshared/TT Class 1- Starting with Smartphones because it covers more specific actions and examples.
Having a basic understanding of your own smartphone, learn more comprehensive tasks, specific popular apps, and tips and tricks that you can apply to increase your ability to use your smartphone.

Course goals

Expand your existing knowledge and learn the theories related to making certain actions happen on your phone.

  • Link an account on your phone
    • Create a new email and password
    • Understand the (cloud) connections to your new account
    • PIN vs Password, securing multiple accounts (password managers)
  • Using the web browser
    • The interface and settings
    • How to make a well-defined internet search
    • How to dissect information on the internet
      • ("Download more ram" thought experiment)
  • Communicating with people or a team
    • Email, chat, videocall services and concepts
    • Options related to employment on the phone
    • Other techniques for corporate phone usage
  • Games and entertainment
    • Safely using the appstore
    • Identifying advertisements and spam
    • Managing installed apps and data
  • Cloud and data backup options
    • Mainstream services, benefits and mindsets
    • Setup process summary, usage summary
  • Customize the homescreen and add widgets
  • antivirus systems and data safety concepts

Accounts

User accounts are fundamental to the operation of any synchronized device, including mobile phones. The login process typically involves confirming a user-defined username and password. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is increasingly popular for enhanced security, and "passcode" systems are being used as a sort of password alternative. Accounts are used to grant access to applications and services, and they connect user data with a user profile.

Creating a new account

The process for creating a new account for any type of service will usually involves these base steps:

  1. Initiate Sign-Up: Navigate to the application or website where you intend to create an account. Locate the “Sign Up,” “Create Account,” or equivalent button/link.
  2. Add User Info: Complete the required and optional fields:
    • Name: First and Last Name, or sometimes only a username
    • Email Address: A valid email address for verification.
    • Date of Birth: Used for age verification for certain content.
  3. Password Creation: Generate a password following the complexity requirements (minimum 8 characters, uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols).
    • use a familiar password hint
    • use a password storage system
    • use a passphrase
  4. Verification: Receive a verification email to the provided email address. Click the confirmation link or supply the code within the email to activate your account.

Default setup

Initial free account creations provide access to core device functionalities. This typically includes:

  • Contacts Synchronization: Automatic synchronization of contact information from Google or iCloud accounts.
  • Calendar Integration: Access to a calendar application for scheduling and reminders.
  • App Store Access: Gateway to download and install applications from the respective app store (Google Play Store for Android, Apple App Store for iOS).
  • Data Usage Linking: Data related to your personality and device usage can be automatically connected between different services.
  • Service Subscriptions: Paid subscriptions are linked to the logged-in account.

Phone security

Protecting your mobile device requires a layered security approach:

  • Lock Screen/PIN/Biometrics: This is the first layer of defense to physically access the device.
  • Account Password: When performing certain actions on certain apps (eg making purchases), your account password remains as additional security
  • Data Encryption: Some data in your apps can be encrypted at different times. It's up to the developer of the app how data is encrypted.

Web Browsing

Most people have some sort of data service plan, which allows access to the internet using the same mobile cell towers that your phone connects to when making a call. The internet can also be accessed through a more standard modem at home or in public spaces.

Choosing a web browser

Several web browsers are available for mobile devices:

  • Chrome (Android & iOS): Developed by Google, known for speed, integration with Google accounts and services; broad compatibility.
  • Safari (iOS): Developed by Apple, optimized for iOS devices and known for its tight integration with the Apple ecosystem.
  • Firefox (Android & iOS): Developed by Mozilla, prioritizes privacy with built-in tracking protection features.
  • Other: There are other specialized browsers like Brave, Opera, Edge (Internet Explorer)
    Consider these factors when picking a browser:
  • Privacy: Browser settings and extensions influence data privacy.
  • Ad Blocking: Extensions that block intrusive advertisements.
  • VPN (Virtual Private Network): Encrypts internet traffic to enhance privacy and security.
  • Extensions: Enhance and modify your browsing experience by installing add-on content.

Common browser navigation elements and actions include:

  • Scrolling: Utilize swipe gestures (up/down) to navigate vertically within a webpage.
  • Zooming: Pinch-to-zoom gesture to increase or decrease the webpage magnification.
  • Tab Management: Open multiple webpages in separate tabs for efficient multitasking.
  • Back/Forward Buttons: Navigate through browsing history.
  • Clear Browsing Data: Option to delete browsing history, cookies, and cached data.

Making an internet search

Conducting an internet search involves these steps:

  1. Open Browser: Launch the chosen web browser.
  2. Locate Search Bar: Identify the search bar, typically at the top of the browser interface.
  3. Enter Query: Type the search terms into the search bar.
  4. Initiate Search: Tap the "Search" icon or press the "Enter" key.
  5. Review Results: Examine the displayed search results, utilizing filters (e.g., images, shopping) for refined searches.

Search Engines

Key search engines include:

  • Google: Dominates the market with a vast index and advanced algorithms.
  • Bing: Microsoft’s search engine, often providing visually rich results. Bing is integrated with Microsoft Windows searches.
  • DuckDuckGo: A privacy-focused search engine that does not track user searches.

AI Searches

Increasingly, search engines leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve search results:

  • Google’s SGE (Search Generative Experience): Generates AI-powered summaries and insights alongside traditional search results.
    You should cross-examine AI-generated information with followup research to confirm its validity.

Discerning information

Critical evaluation of online information is essential:

  • Cross-Referencing: Verify information from multiple reputable sources.
  • Source Credibility: Assess the credibility of the information source.
  • Recognize Misinformation: Be aware of the potential for false or misleading information.

Downloading more RAM

Consider the misinformation scam related to downloading RAM for your computer- Note that RAM is a hardware component, so it is not possible to increase the hardware capacity through a software installation.
Because this topic is one which might not be clear to all users, it could cause trouble to try to rush into a solution without fully understanding it.

Communication

Mobile phones primarily function as communication devices.

Email

Email functionality allows users to send and receive electronic messages.

  • Gmail (Android & iOS): Google’s email service.
  • Outlook (Android & iOS): Microsoft’s email service.
  • Account Linking: Email clients can link multiple accounts for centralized management.

Text

Text
messaging facilitates short-form communication.

  • Contact Selection: Choose a contact to send a message to.
  • Message Composition: Type your message and send it.

Calls

Making phone calls utilizes the device's calling functionality.

Videocalls

Videocalls enable real-time video communication.

Entertainment

Mobile phones offer a wide range of entertainment options.

Installing apps

Installing applications involves downloading and installing software from app stores:

  • App Store (Android & iOS): The primary platform for discovering and installing apps.
  • Security Considerations: Exercise caution when installing apps from unknown sources, as they may contain malware or engage in deceptive advertising.

Videos

Video apps provide access to streaming services and video content.

Games

Game apps offer a diverse selection of interactive entertainment options.

Cloud and backup options

Cloud storage services provide remote data backup and synchronization.

  • Google Drive (Android & iOS): Offers file storage, backup, and synchronization.
  • iCloud (iOS): Provides data backup and synchronization for Apple devices.
  • Data Cable Backup: Transferring photos and videos via a USB data cable.
  • Cloud Service Backup: Utilizing cloud services for automated backups.

Customizing the home screen

Personalize your device's home screen by:

  • Adding Apps: Access the app drawer and select apps to add to the home screen.
  • Moving Apps: Drag and drop apps to rearrange their positions.
  • Changing Backgrounds: Select a new wallpaper or image.

Antivirus and information safety

Protecting your mobile device from threats:

  • Antivirus Software: By default, your phone is set up to protect against malware installation and no additional software is need. The best virus prevention is to act in ways that avoid allowing potential bad actors in.
  • Secure Browsing Practices: Avoid clicking on suspicious links or links with small typos or downloading files from untrusted sources.
  • Software Updates: Regularly update your device’s operating system and apps to patch security vulnerabilities.