iPad Basics Everyday Tasks

Apps for Everyday Tasks

The iPad comes with several different apps that can help you with the things you do every day. Depending on your lifestyle and personality, this could include almost anything. Maybe you like to spend a lot of time online... maybe you need an app that'll help you keep track of to-dos. No matter what, Apple has you covered with the apps below. 

• Safari for browsing the web
• Calendar for managing your schedule
• Reminders for staying on top of important tasks
• And other tools like Notes, Maps, and Passbook
  

Best of all, these apps are available for other Apple devices too—including the iPhone, iPod Touch, and Mac.

Have More Than One Apple Device?

There are many benefits to using these apps if you have more than one Apple device. They're designed specifically so you can open the same app anywhere (on your iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, or Mac), and still experience the same look, feel, and functionality. All of your information will be there too, including your bookmarks, browser history, meetings, to-dos, and more.

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We'll be using the iPad for most of the demonstrations in this lesson, but if you have another device, don't worry. The corresponding apps for the iPhone, iPod Touch, and Mac are fairly similar. The important thing is that you get to know some of the basic tools and features, and come away with a solid understanding of what each app can do. Then you can explore the apps some more on your own.

Reviewing Important Features

There are several things that we discuss in other parts of this tutorial that are an important part of using apps. If you're unfamiliar with any of the features below, go back to the lesson to review.

• Notifications (Lesson 3, Notifications)
  Notifications are pop-ups, banners, and other audio/visual cues. Many apps use them to notify you of new activity on your device.
  
• Siri (Lesson 3, Siri)
  Siri comes with the most recent version of the iPad, as well as the iPhone 4S and later. It allows you to control certain apps using voice commands instead of gestures or the keyboard.
  
• Settings (Lesson 4, Wi-Fi, Security, and General Settings)
  The settings area is where you can manage your device's settings. This includes settings for each of your apps.
  
• iCloud (Lesson 5, Syncing with iCloud)
  Syncing is what links your iPad to your other devices (and your other devices to each other). Many apps will need to be set up in iCloud in order for them to sync.http://www.gcflearnfree.org/ipadbasics/7

iPad Basics Communication

Communication Apps

As you discovered in Lesson 3's Introduction to Apps, there are thousands of apps available for the iPad—both in the App Store, and built into your device. If you're just getting started, however, there are a few that are absolutely essential. This includes:

• Contacts for managing your contacts list
• Mail for checking your email
• Messages for instant messaging
• And other tools like FaceTime, Twitter, and Facebook
  

These are the apps that are going to help you communicate on your device, so you can keep in touch with friends, family, and other contacts. And the great thing about them is the fact that they're available for other Apple devices too—including the iPhone, iPod Touch, and Mac.

Have More Than One Apple Device?

There are many benefits to using these apps if you have more than one Apple device. They're designed specifically so you can open the same app anywhere (on your iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, or Mac), and still experience the same look, feel, and functionality. All of your information will be there too, including your contacts, email, messaging history, and more.

• 

We'll be using the iPad for most of the demonstrations in this lesson, but if you have another device, don't worry. The corresponding apps for the iPhone, iPod Touch, and Mac are fairly similar. The important thing is that you get to know some of the basic tools and features, and come away with a solid understanding of what each app can do. Then you can explore the apps some more on your own.

Reviewing Important Features

There are several things that we discuss in other parts of this tutorial that are an important part of using apps. If you're unfamiliar with any of the features below, go back to the lesson to review.

• Notifications (Lesson 3, Notifications)
  Notifications are pop-ups, banners, and other audio/visual cues. Many apps use them to notify you of new activity on your device.
  
• Siri (Lesson 3, Siri)
  Siri comes with the most recent version of the iPad, as well as the iPhone 4S and later. It allows you to control certain apps using voice commands instead of gestures or the keyboard.
  
• Settings (Lesson 4, Wi-Fi, Security, and General Settings)
  The settings area is where you can manage your device's settings. This includes settings for each of your apps.
  
• iCloud (Lesson 5, Syncing with iCloud)
  Syncing is what links your iPad to your other devices (and your other devices to each other). Many apps will need to be set up in iCloud in order for them to sync.http://www.gcflearnfree.org/ipadbasics/6

iPad Basics Syncing with iCloud

Syncing

Syncing is a must for anyone who owns an iPad, because it's what allows you to move seamlessly from one device to another. You can sync files, media, apps, and other information. All you have to do is set up iCloud on each device; then you can access the same content from almost anywhere.

Introduction to iCloud

 

iCloud is a service provided by Apple that lets you store your music, TV shows, and other files in the cloud (in other words, online). It also automatically syncs your files and information on all of your devices, so each one stays up-to-date.

iCloud works with the iPad, and other iOS devices like the iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad Mini. It also works with laptops and computers—even Windows PCs. With iCloud, you no longer need to connect your iPad to your computer to sync your files and settings; everything will sync automatically over Wi-Fi.

When you sign up for iCloud, you get 5GB (gigabytes) of storage space for free. If you want, you can buy additional space for a yearly fee. Your music, TV shows, and photos won't count toward the 5GB limit, so you may not need to buy additional space.

Watch this video from Apple to see some of the things you can do with iCloud.

With iCloud, as well as other cloud-based services, you may have heard about something called push technology. This simply means that the content is downloaded automatically (or pushed) when syncing with other apps and devices. iCloud uses a lot of push technology, which helps to keep everything convenient and simple for the user.http://www.gcflearnfree.org/ipadbasics/5

iPad Basics Wi-Fi, Security, and General Settings

Introduction to Settings

 

Once you're more familiar with the iPad, you may want to take a minute to review and/or customize your device's settings. Settings control everything from the way your iPad works, to the data it shares with apps and other devices. You can open http://www.gcflearnfree.org/ipadbasics/4Settings by tapping the icon on your Home screen.

Opening the Settings app

As you can see below, Settings gives you easy access to many different things, including settings for your apps, email accounts, iCloud, and more. To view or edit your options, tap an item in the left pane. In this lesson, we will focus on:

• Wi-Fi for controlling your internet access
• General for downloading software updates, setting up security, and more
• Privacy for managing your privacy settings

General settings

iPad Basics iPad Features

Introduction to Apps

Even if you're new to the iPad, you've probably heard of apps before. The concept is simple: apps are programs that are designed to run on your device. What makes them so much fun is the fact that they can be almost anything. They can be fun or serious. They can be a game, or something more essential (like an email client).

The iPad comes with 19 built-in apps that you can access immediately from the Home screen. They're a great place to start for new users because there's nothing to download or install. Many of these apps are ready to use right out of the box (like the Camera app), while others require a little more setup (like Mail and Contacts).

Once you've explored the apps that came with your device, you might want to try downloading some more from the App Store. We'll take a look at some of the most popular apps later in this tutorial.

Using the App Store

 

The App Store gives you access to over 250,000 apps aside from the ones you already have. You'll find everything from games, to entertainment, to productivity tools—even apps that can help you with common tasks like studying for an exam, cooking dinner, or keeping track of travel details. In short, if you have something in mind, there's a good chance you'll find an app for it in the App Store.

A lot of the content in the App Store costs money; however, you'll still find thousands of apps and other resources that you can download for free, or for as little as $0.99. If you're not sure which apps to try first, the App Store can help by giving you recommendations, or showing you what's popular with other iPad users.

The App Store

How do you pay for content in the App Store? Using your Apple ID, of course. When you created your account, Apple should have asked you for a credit card number to keep on file. This is what allows you to purchase things quickly and easily. Review Creating an Apple ID for more information.

Apps Starter Kit

Still not sure where to begin? The Apps Starter Kit from Apple might be able to help. This resource is designed to show you some of the most "essential apps" for new iPad users. To access it, open the App Store. Then scroll down to Quick Links, and tap Apps Starter Kit. (You might want to check out some of the other links too.)

Quick Links in the App Store

Inside, you'll find a list of apps. Some are free; some are paid. To learn more, tap an app that you're interested in. You can download them all, or just a few. To see more apps, swipe left or right to navigate the rest of the list.

http://www.gcflearnfree.org/ipadbasics/3

iPad Basics Getting to Know the iPad

Getting to Know the iPad

Watch the video (3:32). Need help?

Once you have an iPad, your next step should be learning about the physical features of the device, and the accessories that came with it. This includes the different buttons and ports; how to charge thebattery; and the importance of protecting the screen.

Watch the video to learn more about the physical features of the iPad.

Note: The iPad featured on this page (and in the video above) is an iPad 2, rather than the current version. However, the physical features are mostly the same, including tips for caring for your device. To learn more about the differences between the new iPad and the iPad 2, visit Apple's Compare iPad Models.

Device and Accessories

The iPad currently comes with the following accessories:

• USB cable (for connecting to your computer as well as the power adapter)
• USB power adapter (for charging the battery)
• Documentation (including warranty)

To learn more about the buttons and ports on the outside of the device, review the diagrams below.

Front of the iPad

Back of the iPad

If you have the latest version of the iPad, the dock connector will be slightly smaller than the one pictured above. The USB cable that connects to it will be smaller too.

Charging the Battery

 

The battery on your device is powerful, but it won't last forever! The iPad gives you two ways to charge it:

• Connect your iPad to your computer with the included USB cable. Just plug one end into the dock connector, then the other into any USB port.
• Charge your iPad anywhere with the included power adapter. To use it, plug the adapter into a power outlet, then connect the iPad using the USB cable.

Care and Protection

Other accessories, like a case or cover for your iPad, are sold separately. If you don't have one yet, now's the time to look for something that fits your style, budget, and personal needs. The Apple Store has several options to choose from, including the popular Smart Cover. The Smart Cover was designed specifically for the iPad, and can also be used as a stand.

If you're not interested in the Smart Cover (or any of the cases in the Apple Store), don't worry—you can findhundreds of alternatives if you search online or in stores. No matter what you choose, a good case or cover will go a long way towards protecting your device, so you can enjoy it for years to come.

You should also make sure you have a soft, lint-free cloth for wiping fingerprints and smudges off the screen. Never use household cleaners, alcohol, or other abrasives.

Watch this short video from Apple to see the Smart Cover in action (on an iPad Mini).

iPad Basics

Buying an iPad

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So You Want an iPad

Apple's iPad is a touch-screen tablet that's changing the way many of us look at computers and mobile devices. It has a large, high-definition display; access to thousands of apps; and tons of different uses for everyday life—from the fun to the practical. With so many great features, it's no surprise that you might want one of your own.

Before you purchase an iPad, however, you should familiarize yourself with the different options you have to choose from. This includes the affordable Wi-Fi model vs. the more expensive cellular-enabled model. You should also decide where you're going topurchase your iPad—either online, from Apple, or from another retailer.

Understanding Your Options

It's important to understand the different options that are available for the iPad, and why they create a difference in price. As you can see from the image below, there are several different models to choose from, ranging from $329 to $829. Which one you choose will depend on your budget and individual needs.

Which Model is Right for You?

If you're still not sure which model you want, take some time to think about the features that are most important to you, and how they fit into your budget. Things to consider before you buy includeinternet access (do you need to stay connected all the time, perhaps for work?), and data storage (do you need a lot, or just a little?).

Internet Access

Depending on your internet preferences, Apple gives you two different options to choose from: the standard Wi-Fimodel, and the more flexible Wi-Fi + Cellular model. Both have their pros and cons.

• The Wi-Fi model is cheaper, but you'll only be able to access the internet when you can connect to a wireless network. This model might be right for you if you don't mind relying on nearby Wi-Fi; for example, at home, at work, or the local coffee shop.
• The Wi-Fi + Cellular model gives you access almost anywhere, but it may not be worth the extra cost depending on your situation and lifestyle. This model also requires an additional monthly contract (throughAT&T, Sprint, or Verizon Wireless) for the cellular signal to work.

Data Storage

There are several different ways to approach storing data on your iPad. Here are some things to think about before you make a decision.

• At 16GB (16 gigabytes of memory), the smallest model has enough data storage for most users. However, if you anticipate storing lots of music, movies, or TV shows on your device, you may want to purchase the 32GBor 64GB model instead.
• If you truly need lots of storage, look into Apple's iCloud service before you purchase one of the larger, more expensive models. iCloud allows you to store your media "in the cloud" (in other words, online), so you don't have to worry about storing it on your device. We'll take a closer look at iCloud in Lesson 5 of this tutorial, Syncing with iCloud.

For more help making a decision, you can always ask an associate at your local Apple Store for advice. Alternatively, you can call 1-800-MY-APPLE for more information about the product you're interested in.