The+Basics

=Getting Started= So you just got an new iPad? Or maybe you've had it for a while but don't feel like you've had a chance to really explore it yet? This iPad workshop will introduce you to the basics of owning, managing and enjoying your iPad.

If you've owned another touch-based device, such an an iPhone or Android device, most of this should be pretty easy. Unlike a typical computer, the iPad has been designed to be super easy to use and very intuitive. It's operating system is secure and protected, so there's not a lot you can do to break it. You won't press the wrong button or accidentally break it, so feel free to explore!



So, welcome to iPad
If you're the kind of person who still prefers to read the manual and would like an easy to read reference about the iPad, you can always grab a copy of Apple's own iPad User Guide for iOS4.3, available for free on the Apple iBook Store. It will tell you everything you could want to know about your iPad running the latest version of the iOS software. And because it comes as an iBook, simply installing and using it will help you learn a lot about your iPad at the same time.

You'll need to have the iBook Store installed on your iPad.

Click the **Store** button in the top left, and then use the **Search** field in the top right to type "//ipad user guide//". The Suggestion box will make suggestions as you type.

Once you find it, tap the **install** button to, well, install it. Give it a moment to download and you'll find it sitting on the "shelf" of your bookshelf, where you can start reading it right away.

It's that easy to add content to your device!

Get an iTunes account
For many tasks, the iPad, like the iPhone and the iPod, requires a connection to iTunes on your computer. This is slowly changing, and future versions of the iOS operating system are aiming to be far more independent of iTunes and may not require the need to sync to your computer, but for now syncing is still the best way to get content onto your iPad.

When you connect your iPad to your computer for the first time you will be asked for your Apple ID. This identifies you to the Apple servers and lets you easily authorise content (and pay for it if needed) for your iPad.