Introduction to text messaging
If you're one of those people who suffer from text message phobia (you're not alone), take a deep breath. Follow our handy guide and soon you'll be texting like an overcaffeinated 12-year-old.
In a nutshell, text messaging refers to sending a message that is only text. Typically this is done from one cellular phone to another. There are a variety of reasons why this mode of communication has become so popular:
- You can relay quick information to someone without the need to actually speak with them. (Example: "Confirming that we will be meeting at 9:30 a.m.")
- Someone may be in a place where they cannot have a verbal conversation but needs to communicate with you (a meeting, for instance).
- In some cases, people who are proficient in text messaging may wish to have a quick conversation via text as opposed to a phone call. Typically, these are short and quick conversations. (Examples: arranging a time and place to meet with someone, leaving a message for the person to call you when they get out of an appointment.)
Is text messaging expensive? The cost of text messaging varies by wireless network provider. Standard rates are typically 10-15 cents per text message, but many usage plans allow for unlimited text messaging on a flat monthly rate.
How do I know if my phone can do text messaging? Nearly all cellular phones are capable of sending and receiving text messages. If you have purchased your phone within the last seven years, chances are it is capable of text messaging. If you are unsure of whether or not your phone is capable of text messaging, consult your owner’s manual or visit your local wireless provider.
I have never used text messaging before, is it difficult to do? The learning curve for text messaging varies depending on how familiar each individual is with their phone. Overall, many people feel that text messaging is not difficult to do, but find it's a bit tedious at first when it comes to typing, sending and retrieving messages. As with many other things, however, the more you do it, the better you become at it.
Receiving a text message
Now that we know what a text message is, it’s time to take a look at the basics. We will start with how to receive a text message. (Please note: each cellular phone is different and handles text messaging differently. Many phones, however, do share similarities and operate in a similar manner. This guide will cover the general rules and can be used as a basic guideline when using text messages. For detailed information on how your phone handles text messaging, please consult your owner’s manual or visit your local wireless provider.)
- Who can send me a text message? Text messages can be sent to you by anyone who has your wireless phone number. In some cases, you may sign up for special announcements such as sports or news updates simply by entering your wireless number on a website.
- How do I know when I have received a text message? Although every phone handles this differently, typically you will hear a short tone and see a notice on your phone's display which tells you something to the effect "1 new message". Many phones also have an icon of a sealed envelope that appears in a corner of the screen when you receive a text message.
- How do I view a text message? When you notice that you have a new message, most phones will typically offer you an option at the bottom of the screen which will say something along the lines of "view message" or "inbox" or "read message". If you click on the appropriate key below this option, it will take you to your inbox and open the message on the screen for you.
- Is there any way to stop someone from sending me a text message? In cases where you have signed up for a website notification, you are typically able to visit the website and request that the notifications stop. In some instances, you will receive advertising messages to your cell phone; these typically come with instructions as to how to stop receiving future messages. Unfortunately, when it comes to text messages from people that have your number, there is no simple way to stop them short of having their number blocked from your phone. What is important is that the messages that come from advertising or news updates are easily stoppable.
- Does it cost money to receive a text message? Cost varies by wireless network provider. Standard rates are typically 10-15 cents per text message, but there are many plans that allow for unlimited text messaging for a flat monthly rate. See your wireless service provider for details
How to write a text message
The keypad: There are several variations of cell phone keypads. We will deal with the two primary types of keypads. Both act very differently when it comes to text messaging. The first and most common keypad (shown at left) is the standard number pad. This is similar to what you would find on a house phone. Pay close attention to the letters beside the numbers. On the number "2" you will see the letters "A", "B" and "C".
The second keypad that is common is a miniature keyboard. This is common on many smart phones. Although they all vary slightly, we will focus on the standard BlackBerry keypad shown in the bottom photo. You will notice that there is a letter for each key spaced out like a standard computer keyboard. Take note of the punctuation that shares keys with letters.
How do I type a message? (standard keypad)
There are a couple of different ways to type a message using a standard keypad. The first way (recommended for beginners) is to press the number key that corresponds to the letter you need. Should you need a letter that is not the first letter associated with the number, you will need to press the number multiple times. For example:
- To type the letter "a" you must press "2" once
- To type the letter "b" you must press "2" twice
- To type the letter "c" you must press "2" three times
- Once you have pressed the number the appropriate amount of times, pause for a moment and watch the cursor move to the next space. Once this has happened you may repeat the process to type the next letter.
For demonstration sake, we will type the word "cat":
- Press the following: "2, 2, 2", then pause for a moment, then press "2", then pause for a moment, then pres "8".
To create a "space" you usually either need to press "0" or "*" or "#". This will vary from phone to phone and may require some trial and error. To go back or delete an error, you are usually required to press one of the keys just below the screen.
The second method is sometimes referred to as T, T1, T9 or T-word messaging. This is a system designed to assist your speed when typing on a standard keypad. The way this works is that instead of pressing the same button numerous times to type a letter other than the first, you press each number button once and the phone will make an assumption of which word you are trying to type based on the available letters on the numbers you have pressed. For example, if you would like to type the word "cat" you would press 2, 2, 8. There is no need for pauses between letters as the phone will jump to the next letter as soon as a button is pressed.
As you press each button the word will appear out of order. Once you finish the word, the phone will try to figure out what you were trying to type. There is no delay so you won't have to sit around waiting for the phone to figure out what you are trying to do. Remember, this is for more advanced users that are trying to type quickly.
So back to our "cat" example, as you type the word will appear as "aat" and then will switch to "cat" automatically. In the event the phone assumes the wrong word, one of the buttons under the screen will allow you to switch options between the different assumed words. You are also able to add words to the assumption list.
For punctuation, you will usually have to press the "1" key repeatedly until you see the punctuation you are looking for.
How do I type a message? (keyboard)
Typing a text message on a keyboard is as easy as typing the letters as you would with a regular computer keyboard. For punctuation, you will need to press either "shift" or "second function" followed by the corresponding letter key.
How do I send a text message?
SENDING: Typically, once you have typed the text message, there should be an option to send the message. To find this option, once you have typed the message, click the button on your phone that opens the options menu. You should see something along the lines of "Send Text, Send SMS". Click on which ever of these is available on your phone and it will send the message. Some phones are even easier as when you type the message, you will see an option to send on your screen. Selecting this button will send the message.
REPLY: When you receive and read a text message, generally your phone will give you the option to reply to this message. To reply, simply open the received text message and then click the button on your phone that opens the options menu. From this list you should see the option to reply. Select this option, type your text message then send it. It’s as simple as that.
NEW MESSAGE (from contact list): The next way to send a text message is from your contact list. This would be a new message and would not include any previous conversations. To do this, go to your contact list on your phone. Select the contact you wish to send a text message to and click on the button that opens the option menu. You will see something along the lines of "Text Message", "Send Text Message", "Send SMS Message", "Send SMS", "SMS Contact". All of these options basically mean the same thing, which is to send a text message. Select which ever of these options that your phone gives you, type your text message, then send it.
NEW MESSAGE (not from contact list): To send a text message to someone that is not on your contact list, you will need to navigate to your messaging menu on your phone. Once in the messaging menu, there should be an option to compose a new message. If you do not see this option, you may have to click the button on your phone that opens the options menu. From the options menu, you will see "SMS", "New Text", "Compose SMS" or "Compose Text". Select the appropriate option and then type and send your message.
This wraps up the basics of text messaging. Give it a try, you'll get the hang of it in no time.
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