Sending Your First Text Message

Brought to you by Fresno County Public Library

Written by Lisa Lindsay, Computer Services Librarian

Class Goals

Today you will: Learn the basics of text messages Learn about local laws about cell phones Practice sending a text message from

your phone Practice responding to a text message

from your phone

What is Text Messaging

According to Wikipedia:Text messaging, or texting, refers to the exchange of brief written text messages between mobile phones or other portable devices using a network.

Why should I learn? Texting has altered the

way society communicates

Globally, it is a more economical way to communicate than voice calls

It’s convenient (once you get the hang of it!)

How much does it cost? Some plans include a specific number at

not cost per month. Most plans include the option to pay a

monthly amount to have unlimited text messaging added to your plan.

If you pay per text the typical cost will be 10¢ -20¢ per text. Picture/video messaging is typically more.

Remember, if you send/receive a text a minute you’ll have spent $20 in less than 2 hours (at 20¢ per text). Be careful! Texting can be fun and addictive.

How do I send a text message?

1. Go to the mailbox or message option on your cell and choose “Create Message”.

2. Enter name or number of who you are sending the message to (sometimes this is done last)

3. Enter your message and press OK or send.

Typing your message

ABC mode: Letters are associated with the keypad. H is two times because it’s in the second

position. I is three times because it’s in the third position.

T9 (Text on 9 keys) Also called Predictive Text Mode Spell the word with one stroke symbolizing

all potential letter and then the phone figures one what you mean.

T9 Demo (with practice using the mouse)

(Choose your preferred mode in the settings)

How to read a message When you receive a text the sound is

different from when you have an incoming call.

You can adjust the settings if you don’t want it to make any noise when a text arrives.

To read the new message just click on the mail box icon and select “Inbox”

Select the new text-- read it and then save or delete. You can also choose to reply instantly.

Review & then hands on practice

Ready to practice? Text the library!

We offer free text message reference services. Today we’ll use this to practice texting.

Here’s how you do it…

Send your first text!

1. Grab your phone…

2. Compose a text to 66746

3. Start your message with these letters (exactly): askfcpl

Example: askfcpl What time does this class end?

Here’s what it will look like…

4. Press send and wait for your answer

It’s really that easy.

Save the number 66746 and our library name in your contacts to use it later.

Try it now!

To: 66746

Body: askfcpl + YOUR QUESTION/COMMENT/ETC.

Reminders… You don’t need “askfcpl” every time, only

for the first message with this number and then never again.

You pay for each text you send and each text you receive. Once you initiate a conversation the other end may respond in more than one text.

Use discretion when sharing your cell phone number.

Who do I trust with my cell number?

Just as you don’t want to give out your home address to just anyone, the same is true of your cell phone.

When you are online, avoid “Chance to win…” offers that require your cell phone to enter.

These offers lead to “junk mail” on your phone (in the form of unsolicited text messages) and sometimes they even lead to signing up for a service that’s added to your cell plan (without you realizing you signed up).

Always pay attention to your cell phone bill and contact your provider if you notice unusual charges.

Texting and driving CA Vehicle code prohibits the use of a

wireless device to send a text message while operating a vehicle. (VC 23123.5)

In Fresno, the initial fine for use of a cellular device while driving is $160 (state fine is $20 but the county adds their own charges).

The fine is much steeper for a second offence.

Practice, practice, practice! With the remaining time, text the AskFCPL

number, text anyone from your contacts or text back and forth with someone else in the class.

Before you leave, be sure to complete the evaluation form. Use the paper version or complete it online here:

svy.mk/compclass

Creative Commons License

Written August, 2011 by Lisa Lindsay of Fresno County Public Library with some content taken from TextaLibrarian.com’s marketing material.

This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-Share Alike Licensed. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.5/