Using The Facebook App for iPad

To connect with the rest of the social networking world there is one application that you are going to need, the original and still the one of the best, the official Facebook app.

Facebook will most likely be one of the very firstapps that you will install on your new iPad. If you are a keen user you will no doubt be eagerto see how well it works on Apple’s i0S platform, compared to the traditional desktop PC version, There are many alternatives to the official Facebook application, pretenders to the crown that seek to capture your attention and find a home on your home screen. Admittedly some of these apps are rather good but it is hard to overlook the very obvious fact that no matter how good they are they are little more than copies of the original.

Upon installation, when you open up Facebook the first thing you will see is the Sync Contacts feature. You are given the option to sync your iPad contacts with your Facebook Friends list, which will download profile pics and addresses into your iPad’s contact list. If you choose to turn on Sync Contacts, a confirmation screen will pop up telling you exactly what it will be doing. Once you confirm, the process will take anywhere from a few seconds to a couple of minutes, depending on the size of your Friends list, to sync all of the relevant information.

You can access a lot more of Facebook’s features now because the new application acts more like a Facebook-specific web browser instead of a typical app. While this may seem like more a hindrance than a help it really isn’t because the app still loads just as quickly as all previous version did, even over a slower 3G connection.

As useful as the new interface and the Sync Contacts option are, the best feature by far is the Facebock app’s push notifications. It is possible to know the instant that someone sends you a friend request, a message or makes a comment on your status, without having to open the app to check your account. All of these push notifications and more are customisable from within

the Settings menu. This means if you only want notifications for new messages you can have just that, or you can enable two or three specific types of notification without turning them all on. All the key elements from the web-based version are here, and are simple to access and use, such as uploading a photo from your library or changing your status; all are accessible with just a few taps.

If there has ever been any doubt as to whether this version is a worthwhile addition to your iPad, we can assure you that it most certainly is. Whether you are a casual user and just want to save time, or if you are a Facebook addict and need to have access 24/7, this app offers enough customisable features to keep anyone happy. This is simply a must-have app in ouropinion, since ittakes all the functionality you could possibly wantfor the world’s biggest social networking site and enables you to take it with you where ever you choose toga. It almost seems a cliche but Facebook, one of the original reasons in the social networking explosion, remains the most vital way to communicate with friends and family, and this version allows you to do just that and then so much more besides.

Facebook on the iPad in six easy steps.

Use this guide to get started with the official Facebook application, from setting up your account, searching for friends, to uploading images. Bring your entire social network a little closer together.

STEP 1

Once the Facebook application has downloaded, tap the icon to activate the app and you will be taken to the launch screen. Here you are given two options, signing in or signing up. If you have a Facebook account simply enter your details as requested and press the “Go” button. Signing up to Facebook couldn’t be easier, and you can do so via the iPad. Click Sign up to open a new window in Safari, and input the required details, confirming them via email and you are now ready to go.

STEP 2

To get the most from your Facebook experience you will need to connect with your family and friends. Your first choice is to Sync with your contacts list on your iPad. The app will search your contacts lists for anyone with a linked Facebook account and will add them to your friends list. You are also given the option to add or replace any photographs you may have set up in your contacts list with that of the profile picture on Facebook. Once the sync task has been performed you will be taken to the home page.

STEP 3

From the home page, click the search bar at the top of the screen. This will bring up a keyboard enabling you to enter the name of individuals you wish to contact. Notice you have the option to search in one of three areas, Friends only searches within your current friends list, Everyone searches the entire database of individuals and Pages which are profiles of groups, bands, movie etc. Note that most Facebook users will not allow you full access to their account until you are added to their friends list, so please ensure you have a the right person before making contact.

STEP 4

Having found the profile of the person you are searching for you can apply to add them to your friends lists and by return you will be added to theirs. To do this you will need to tap the Add as Friend button beneath their contact name. Having sent your friend request to the specific individual you will only become linked to their friends list and you to theirs when they have accepted your request. You will be informed of this in the form of a Notification which will appear at the bottom of the screen on the home page. Click the Notification link and if success your new friend will be added to your list.

STEP 5

There are two ways of socially interacting via Facebook. You can post your comments, images and links to your wall. To do this click your Profile link from the home page and select Share Photo or Write Post. Your post will now appear on your main profile page and can be viewed by your friends. Alternatively you can contact a friend directly by sending them a message, by clicking the Message link on the home page and tapping the new message icon in the upper right corner. You can also post on a friend’s wall by accessing their profile from your friends list and selecting the contact options on the upper bar.

STEP 6

Staying in contact with your friends and family is the principle reason to use Facebook, but there is lot more for you to explore. Clicking the News link from the homepage will give your updates on all your latest posts as well as those of your friends, and make suggestions of new potential friends, based upon links to mutual friends. From this page you can also linkto uploading images or updating your profile status, or tap Check In to see links to nearby locations of interest, or search for places you want to find. Now you are equipped with the basics you can enjoy the Facebook app on your iPad.

Using The Facebook App for iPad