Samsung® Galaxy Tabs For Dummies®
Published by: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774, www.wiley.com
Copyright © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey
Published simultaneously in Canada
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Library of Congress Control Number: 2018965298
ISBN 978-1-119-46660-4 (pbk); ISBN 978-1-119-46659-8 (ebk); ISBN 978-1-119-46658-1 (ebk)
The Samsung Galaxy Tab is an excellent choice for enhancing your 21st century, mobile digital life. The tablet is a remarkable gizmo, one that’s capable of doing so much. Samsung packed a lot of potential into the device. One thing they didn’t pack were any instructions. Yes, despite its impressive power, the Galaxy Tab can be a confusing, intimidating piece of hardware.
Relax.
You hold in your hand a great resource, companion, and guide to your Galaxy Tab. The purpose here is to help you get the most from your tablet, without scaring the bejeebers out of you.
Still reading? Great! So few people bother with the introduction in any book that I’m amazed you bothered to keep going. Honestly, I could write how to turn lead into gold in this paragraph and you’d be one of six people on the planet to ever read it. Count yourself fortunate. And handsome. I mean, why not?
This book is a reference. It’s written to help you get the most from your Galactic tablet. Each chapter covers a specific topic, and the sections in each chapter address an issue related to the topic. The overall idea is to show how to do things on the tablet and to help you get the most from it without overwhelming you with information or intimidating you into despair.
Sample sections in this book include
Did you notice that one of those items is fake? That’s because you’re still reading the Introduction and I’m proud of you for sticking with it.
This book explains all topics carefully. Everything is cross-referenced. Technical terms and topics, when they come up, are neatly shoved to the side, where they're easily avoided. The idea here isn't to learn anything. This book's philosophy is to help you look it up, figure it out, and get on with your life.
This book follows a few conventions for using a Galaxy Tab. First of all, I refer to your device as the Galaxy Tab or just Tab throughout the book. I might also write Galaxy tablet or even, occasionally, Galactic tablet. Generally speaking, all the information here applies to the Galaxy Tab S4.
The way you interact with the tablet is by using its touchscreen. The device also has some physical buttons, found below the touchscreen. It also features some holes and connectors. All those items are described in Chapter 1. You can touch the screen in various ways, which are explained and named in Chapter 3.
Chapter 4 discusses tablet text input, which involves using an onscreen keyboard. You can also input text by speaking to the tablet, which is also covered in Chapter 4.
This book directs you to do things by following numbered steps. Each step involves a specific activity, such as touching something on the screen; for example:
This step directs you to touch the text or item labeled Downloads on the screen. You might also be told to do this:
Some On–Off features are activated by using the Master Control icon, similar to what’s shown in the margin. When the circle is to the right, the feature is on. You can either tap the icon or slide it a wee bit by dragging your finger on the touchscreen.
Even though this book is written with the gentle handholding required by anyone who is just starting out or who is easily intimidated, I've made a few assumptions. For example, I assume that you're a human being and not the emperor of Jupiter. See? You’re getting all this comedy gold just from sticking to reading the introduction. (I’m gonna write my mom about this.)
My biggest assumption: You have a Samsung Galaxy tablet, such as the Tab S4. Other Tab model users can get good information from this book, though it doesn’t specifically cover those tablet versions.
A Tab that accesses the mobile data (cellular) network is called an LTE Tab, where LTE stands for Long Term Evolution or something. It doesn’t matter. The other Tab is known as a Wi-Fi–only tab. Any differences between the two types of Tabs are pointed out in the text.
You don't need a computer to use this book, although having one does let you do certain things. The computer can be a desktop or a laptop, and a PC or a Macintosh. Oh, I suppose it could also be a Linux computer. In any event, I refer to the computer as “a computer” throughout this book. When directions are specific to a PC or a Mac, the book says so.
Finally, this book doesn't assume that you have a Google account, but having one helps. Information is provided in Chapter 2 about setting up a Google account — an extremely important part of using the Galaxy Tab. Having a Google account opens up a slew of useful features, information, and programs that make using your tablet more productive.
This icon flags useful, helpful tips or shortcuts.
This icon marks a friendly reminder to do something.
This icon marks a friendly reminder not to do something.
This icon alerts you to overly nerdy information and technical discussions of the topic at hand. Reading the information is optional, though it may win you the Daily Double on Jeopardy!
Bonus information for this title can be found online. You can visit the publisher's website to find an online Cheat Sheet. Go to www.dummies.com and type Samsung Galaxy Tabs For Dummies Cheat Sheet into the Search box. Cross your fingers and click the Search button on the web page. The online Cheat Sheet should appear in mere Internet moments.
I also do my own helpful updates, blog posts, and alerts, which are also free but far more engaging. My stuff is updated more frequently than the publisher's website because (last time I checked) I'm not a big corporation. You can find my own information at
www.wambooli.com
My email address is dgookin@wambooli.com. Yes, that's my real address. I reply to all email I get, and you'll get a quick reply if you keep your question short and specific to this book. Although I do enjoy saying “Hi,” I cannot answer technical support questions, resolve billing issues, or help you troubleshoot your Galaxy Tab. Thanks for understanding.
Enjoy this book and your Galactic tablet!
Hey! Thanks for hanging in there. Now I fully expect you to read the entire book, cover to cover, including the loopy ads at the end. Chihuahuas For Dummies? Are they serious?
Back to the topic at hand: Start reading! Observe the table of contents and find something that interests you. Or look up your puzzle in the index. When these suggestions don't cut it, just start reading Chapter 1.
Part 1
IN THIS PART …
Get started with your Samsung Galaxy Tab.
Work through the Tab setup.
Learn how to operate the tablet.
Discover various parts of the Tab.
Explore DeX and use the S Pen.
Chapter 1
IN THIS CHAPTER
Unboxing your Galaxy Tab
Charging the battery
Locating important things
Adding or removing a microSD card
Getting optional accessories
Storing the tablet
I thoroughly enjoy getting a new gizmo and opening its box. Expectations build. Joy is released. Then despair descends, like a grand piano pushed out of a third-story window. That's because using any new electronic device, especially something as sophisticated as the Samsung Galaxy Tab, can be frustrating and confusing. You have a lot of ground to cover. To make your journey easier, I offer this gentle introduction.
Most Galaxy tablets patiently wait in their box for your attention. The exception is the cellular, or LTE, tablet. Because it uses the mobile data signal, the kind people at the Phone Store might have worked through a setup-and-configuration process with you. This step is necessary to get the mobile data network up and running. For non-cellular, or Wi-Fi–only, tablets, the initial configuration and you are awkward strangers on a blind date.
The initial setup of an LTE tablet identifies the device with the mobile data network, giving it a network ID and associating the ID with your cellular bill.
Liberate your Galaxy Tab from its box by locating and lifting the cardboard tab. Gleefully remove any plastic sheeting that clings to the device. Check the sides, edges, front, and back. Also check the rear camera lens to ensure that it’s not covered with plastic.
In the box's bottom compartment, you may find:
Go ahead and free the USB cable and power charger from their clear plastic cocoons. That’s because the next step is to charge the tablet’s battery, covered in the following section.
Keep the box for as long as you own your tablet. If you ever need to return the device or ship it somewhere, the original box is the ideal container. You can shove the useless pamphlets and papers back into the box as well.
The first thing that I recommend you do with your Galaxy Tab is to give it a full charge. Obey these steps:
Attach the other end of the USB cable to the tablet.
The cable attaches to the tablet's edge — usually, the bottom edge, though it can be on the side. The USB connector (hole) cannot be mistaken, and the cable plugs in only one way.
Upon success, you may see a Battery icon on the tablet’s touchscreen. The icon gives you an idea of the device’s current battery-power level and lets you know that the tablet is functioning properly. Don't be alarmed if the Battery icon fails to appear.
If the Welcome screen appears as you charge the tablet, you can proceed with the initial configuration, which is covered in Chapter 2. Or you can wait and finish reading this chapter first. Or have a cookie. It’s always fun to ignore responsibility and have a cookie.
The tablet's battery charges when the tablet is plugged into a computer's USB port, though it’s not as effective as charging with a wall socket.
“Second star to the right and straight on ’till morning” may get Peter Pan to Neverland, but you need more specific directions for navigating your way around the Galaxy Tab.
Many interesting and useful items festoon the front, back, and perimeter of your Galaxy Tab. Before going into detail, I must address the issue of which way is up on your tablet.
As far as the touchscreen goes, the image orients itself properly no matter how you hold the tablet. For reference purposes, however, the front-facing camera identifies the top of the device, as illustrated in Figure 1-1.
FIGURE 1-1: Galaxy Tab orientations.
For older Tabs, the physical Home button dwells on the bottom edge, along with navigation buttons stenciled onto the tablet’s bezel.
Now that I’ve clarified which way is up, take a moment to peruse the following list and locate the items mentioned on your tablet.
Touchscreen display: The biggest part of the tablet is its touchscreen display, which occupies almost all the territory on the front of the device. The touchscreen display is a see-touch thing: You look at it and also touch it with your fingers to control the tablet. See Chapter 3 for details on touchscreen manipulation.
Front camera: The tablet's front-facing camera is centered above the touchscreen. The camera is used for taking self-portraits as well as for video chats. See Chapter 12 for information on using your Galaxy Tab as a camera; Chapter 8 covers video chat.
Light sensor: Just next to the front camera is a teensy light sensor. It helps to adjust the brightness level of the touchscreen.
Power/USB connector: The Power/USB jack is typically located on the tablet's bottom edge, though some tabs may stick it on the side. This location is where you attach the USB cable to the tablet.
Power Lock key: The Power Lock key is the smaller of two thin buttons on the edge of the device. Press Power Lock to turn on the tablet, to lock it (put it to sleep), to wake it up, and to turn it off. Directions for performing these tasks are found in Chapter 2.
Volume key: The tablet's Volume key is found next to the Power Lock key; it’s the longer of the two. Press one side of the key to set the volume louder, and press the other side to set the volume lower.
Headphone jack: The tablet’s largest hole accommodates a standard headphone plug. This is where you connect headphones to the tablet.
SIM card cover: This spot is used to access an LTE tablet's SIM card, and it’s found only on LTE tablets.
Media card slot: Use this slot to add or remove a microSD memory card. See the next section.
IR Blaster: This port has a great name but a rather mundane function: It sends an infrared signal to another device, such as a TV, if the tablet has the proper app installed.
Speaker(s): Stereo speakers are located on opposite edges on the tablet, though smaller tablets put the speakers on the back.
Microphone: A tiny hole on the tablet serves as the device's microphone. The hole's location may not be apparent — it's about the diameter of a pinhead — but it's there. Avoid the temptation to stick anything into that wee li’l hole.
Rear camera and flash: The rear camera is found on the back of the tablet. If your Galaxy Tab camera features a flash, the flash LED is found nearby.
SIM stands for Subscriber Identity Module. The SIM card is used by your cellular provider to identify your tablet and keep track of the amount of data it accesses. Yep, that's so you can be billed properly. The SIM also gives your cellular tablet a phone number, though that’s merely an account number and not something you can dial or send a text message to.
Expand your tablet's storage capacity by installing a microSD card. The card stores photos, music, and other information, supplementing the device’s internal storage. You can also use the card to exchange files between the tablet and other devices, such as a computer.
The microSD card can be inserted whether the device is on or off. Heed these directions:
Locate the microSD card hatch on the tablet's edge.
Figure 1-2 illustrates the hatch's appearance, though it may look subtly different on your tablet.
Press an unbent paperclip or another “pokey” implement into the hole on the hatch cover.
Upon success, the hatch pops up. Grab the hatch and remove the tray.
Some older tablets feature a hatch with a thumbnail slot instead of a pokey hole. This type of slot cover doesn't come off completely.
Orient the microSD card and set it into the tray.
For the older-style slots, ensure that the microSD card’s printed side is up and the teeny triangle on the card is pointing toward the open slot.
FIGURE 1-2: The microSD card cover.
If the tablet is on (and has been configured), you may see a prompt informing you that the card has been inserted.
To remove the microSD card, follow these steps:
If the tablet is on, unmount the microSD card; otherwise, skip to Step 2.
Before you attempt this process, reading Chapters 2 and 3 helps.
A message appears briefly on the touchscreen, telling you that it's okay to remove the microSD card; proceed with Step 2.
Open the microSD card slot.
Specific directions are offered earlier in this section.
When the tablet is turned off, you can insert or remove the microSD card at will. Refer to Chapter 2 for information on turning off your Galaxy Tab.
You cannot unmount the microSD card when the tablet is connected to a computer. Disconnect the tablet and try again.
GB is an abbreviation for gigabyte, which is 1 billion characters of storage. One gigabyte is enough storage for about an hour of video or a week's worth of music or a year's worth of photographs. It's a lot of storage.
You need not buy all your galactic gear from Samsung or the place where you purchased your Tab. Plenty of accessories are available. Of the lot, I recommend the following:
Earphones: You can use earphones from any standard smartphone or portable media player with your tablet. Plug the earphones into the tablet’s headphone jack and you're ready to go.
Bluetooth keyboard: Your Galaxy Tab works with any Bluetooth keyboard. It gives you the option of using a real keyboard with the device. Even keyboards for those i-fruit company tablets work with your tablet.
Vehicle charger: Use a vehicle charger to charge the tablet while in your car. This adapter plugs into the car's 12-volt power supply, in the receptacle once known as the cigarette lighter. The vehicle charger is a must-have item if you plan to use the Galaxy tablet navigation features in your auto or you need a charge on the road.
None of this extra stuff is essential to using the tablet.
If the earphones feature a button, you can use the button to pause and play music. Press the button once to pause and again to play.
Like your car keys, glasses, wallet, and time travel return anklet, you'll want to keep your Galaxy tablet in a place where it's safe, easy to find, and always handy whether you're at home, at work, on the road, or watching Caesar’s triumphant return from Gaul.
I recommend keeping your Galaxy Tab in the same spot when you've finished using it. My first suggestion is to make a place next to your computer. Keep the charging cord handy, or just plug the cord into the computer's USB port so that you can synchronize information with your computer regularly and keep the tablet charged.
Another nifty place to keep the tablet is on your nightstand. See Chapter 15 for information on using the tablet to satisfy your nighttime reading or video watching. It can also serve as an alarm clock.
Avoid keeping the tablet anyplace where it may get too hot. Avoid setting it on a windowsill or on a car dashboard or anywhere in direct sunlight for prolonged periods.
Keep the tablet visible. Don't put it where someone might sit on it, step on it, or otherwise damage it. And don't leave the tablet under a stack of newspapers on a table or a counter, where it might get accidentally tossed out or recycled.
Never leave your tablet unattended on the planet Venus.
As long as you return the tablet to the same spot when you're done with it, you'll always know where it is.
If you're like me, you probably carry your Galactic tablet with you around the house, in the office, at the airport, in the air, or in the car. I hope you're not using the tablet while you're driving! Regardless, have a portable place to store your tablet while you're on the road.
The ideal storage spot for the tablet is in the book cover keyboard or any other carrying case or pouch specially designed for the Galaxy Tab. A case keeps the tablet from being dinged, scratched, or even unexpectedly turned on while it's in your backpack, purse, carry-on luggage, or wherever you put the tablet when you aren't using it.
Also see Chapter 22 for information on using your Galaxy Tab on the road.