Get the 411 on How To Text Message
It seems everyone under the age of forty is texting on their cell phone, especially the kids. You might consider giving text messaging a try simply because it's a great way to stay in touch with your children and grandchildren. However, before you TM (text message), get the 411 (information) on what text messaging is all about, ways to use it and, importantly, how to read it.
Most digital cell phones today have the ability to send and receive short text messages. This service is referred to as SMS or short message service. When you create a text message using your cell phone keypad you are generally limited to very short message lengths, about 160 characters. Once you created your message, you can send it to a friend's cell phone by entering their phone number. The message is transmitted in a few seconds — your friend's phone will beep and the message will appear on their screen.
So why would anyone bother to laboriously type out short messages on those tiny cell phone key pads? It's challenging enough just to read the tiny letters on the keypad, and the convenience of a cell phone is the ability communicate by voice from any location.
If you ask those you know who text message, they will give you many reasons why they like text messaging. A main one is that text messages are less intrusive than a phone call. For instance, you can send a quick note to your friend or family member without distracting them from what they are doing at that moment, making text messages a quiet way to communicate with someone at work, in class, or while eating out. Additionally, SMS does not eat up precious talk minutes and mom and dad cannot eavesdrop on the conversation.
Most cell phones can be set to receive a text message in complete silence. This is especially handy if some one is "on-call" like a doctor or an expectant father. And, like email, one can send a quick text message to several friends or family at a time, making it a convenient way to gather up family members to meet you at the car when shopping time is over at the mall.
For text messaging character limits limited to about 160 characters, every letter and space counts. In addition to the laborious task of spelling out every word fully using the awkward cell phone keypad, a new shorthand texting language has evolved. Several websites exist to help the novice learn this abbreviated lingo, such as Lingo2Word or Webopedia. Webopedia also has a nice online dictionary and search engine for most computer and Internet technology definitions. Another handy resource is the SMS dictionary at TechDictionary.com™.
Now you have the 411 on TM, U2 can pick up UR cell phone and try TM. It's actually easier than it might seem, and once you learn how to enter and send a message from your cell phone keypad, you might find the whole process a bit like passing secret notes in class. Imagine how surprised your children or grandchildren will be when they receive a cheerful "Happy Birthday" message from you or just a AWTTW (a word to the wise) like TNSTAAFL or “there's no such thing as a free lunch.”
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About the Author
Susan Ayers Walker is a leading-edge boomer with over 35 years experience in emerging technologies.
