Getting to know Facebook and Social Media

What is Facebook? It’s a social media world that’s on the upside of the social media revolution. Facebook is the largest social media site in the world, and one of the most visited websites in the world. It’s a simple website where you can create a profile, enter custom information, upload pictures, create events, share information, write comments, and update your status. You can even share links, videos, and your favorite web clippings (amongst numerous other features). It’s also a fabulous way to reconnect with long lost friends, stay in contact with family members, and have a blast while doing it. If you’ve never used Facebook before, then rely upon this simple Guide for Dummies to hop onboard the trendsetter bandwagon express destination: Social Media Paradise.

Signing Up for an Account

Access the website at and sign up for a new user account. You’ll need an email address, which you will use to create and confirm the account. After you have setup your username and password, its time to confirm your account with the email and then log on in.

Privacy Settings

Under the “Home” tab drop down button in the upper right-hand corner, select “Privacy Settings.” You can check or uncheck boxes to create custom settings or you can simply select from preconfigured settings. The choice is yours.

Uploading Pictures

Upon logging in, you can easily upload pictures by clicking on the profile icon, which allows you to update your profile picture. You can also create custom albums and upload pictures, tag other friends who appear in the pictures, and even label the pictures. You are allowed to upload as many pictures as you like, so have fun.

Promoting Blogs/Content

Promoting your blogs and or content, like newsletter, articles, or other tidbits you found online is easy. Update your status and copy and paste the URL of the item you wish to promote. Add a line or two in the status box and upload a picture if you like. Then post the status update and viola: promotion has begun.

Finding/Joining Groups

Using the search bar, you can easily search for groups of interest. If you find groups you like, you can join them with one click. Make sure that you like the group, as the status updates from the group can appear on your timeline or wall.

Creating Events

Using the “My Events” tab, you can easily create custom events from dinner parties to musical shows, get-togethers and everything in between; it’s your choice. Be sure to invite people after you create the event. Try adding photos and a description to entice invitees.

Connecting to Friends

Connecting to friends is effortless. You can import your email addresses to easily find friends or search for mutual friends. Heck, you can even use the search bar and find friends in seconds and then send them a friend request to connect.

Sending/Receiving Messages

Sending and receiving messages is very streamlined on Facebook. All profiles have a “Message” button in the upper right-hand corner. Click that to send an email to that user. Check your messages by clicking the call-out message box in your navigation bar (upper left). There you can reply to any inbox messages that you might have.

The Timeline Feature

The timeline feature is relatively new to Facebook. It tracks important events in your life via the status update feature, thus making it more intuitive. You can add life events to your status update, like “Got Engaged” or “Broke a Bone” and then post a tidbit about it and it will update your timeline. To view your timeline, simply look at your profile. It will show the complete timeline of your life starting from when you were born (based upon your birthday). You can also add pictures and enter notes to any date in the timeline. Furthermore, you can add important dates, like the date your children were born or when you got married and add pictures as well for a more complete timeline.

Mobile Access

Don’t forget about mobile access to Facebook, either. Whether you have an Android or Apple powered device, you can easily download the mobile Facebook app from your respective app marketplace for free. You’ll need to download and install the app and then access your account. Be sure to store your username and password for easy, one-button access in the future directly from your smartphone handset.

Above and beyond all else, connect. Share. Be safe. Now you can have a blast using Facebook!

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