8 things to do first on your Android phone!

You just got your Android phone. Now what? Be it the cheapest in the market like Micromax A60 or the most expensive money can buy like Dell Streak, they share a common infrastructure. The operating system is the same and the apps that can be installed on them are the same. For the most part at least.

Before you go on a trial and error process and before you question your purchase, let me run you through what should be done on your first Android phone. These are the essential things if done, would add a lot of time to your Android experience and will help make the Android journey pleasurable.

Import SIM Contacts

This is the most obvious thing to do, but it might need some time to get your way through if you are figuring it out for the first time. In the Home screen, hit the Phone icon, Go to the Contacts Icon and then hit the Menu button. Menu button is one of the three icons which appear on the phone, right at the edge of the touch screen.

Click on Phone > Contacts > Menu > Import/Export This should bring up a screen like this :

 

There is a Import/Export option. which gives four options. Pick the Import from SIM Card option. You should be good to go.

Import Google Contacts

If you are moving from a different smartphone like an iPhone, then your contacts might have been stored on the phone itself. This could be a pain if not done properly. Don’t worry we got just the thing for you. You have to sync your contacts from iPhone using iTunes with the Google Contacts. After which you have to import the contacts from the Android phone. The process is detailed with screenshots here.

Set up Wi-Fi

Setting up your Wi Fi would be a good thing to do after your contacts are imported. You will be on the Internet for the next few operations and being on a WiFi is better than being on a 2G network. WiFi can be enabled by going to settings :

Setting > Wireless & networks > Wi Fi > Turn on Wi Fi

Setting > Wireless & networks > Wi Fi > Wi Fi Settings > Add network and enter password

 

 

Set up your Market place

Right after you have imported your contacts, the next step is to set-up your market place. Default Android installation should have the market icon right on the home screen. Hit the market icon, and then sign in using your google account. Don’t install any apps (except for one) yet because looking for apps could be a tedious process and can wear you out if you are on a resistive touch screen.

Install AppBrain

Search for AppBrain in the market place. This could be the only app you will be installing using the Market place. Once AppBrain is installed you can install and manage your apps from the web interface.

Enabling USB Debugging

USB Debugging should be enabled for your computer to recognize your phone. As a part of this process you should also install your USB driver on your computer. Once done, your computer should recognize your phone.

Settings > Applications > Development > USB Debugging

Install Android SDK

This isn’t mandatory but it is a good thing to do. You might skip this step if you think this is too much trouble. Installing an SDK is needed for various app installations and some additional information. Follow this guide for SDK installation.

Install apps

Appbrain can be configured with lists which can be modified from the web. Once done, you have to log in to the appbrain market place from your Android phone and start installing all the apps in one go.

We recommend the following apps :

1. LauncherPro
2. Advanced Task Killer
3. WhatsApp Messenger
4. HandcentSMS
5. ASTRO File Manager
6. Barcode Scanner

[Img vi Mashable]