Ok, so you just got your spanking new S60 smartphone what do you do next? I have to admit that at first it looks a bit daunting; believe me I’ve been there, but it’s not. I have a lot of friends and relatives that have to go through the same process and they usually do just fine once I give them a few pointers here and there. That’s why I decided to write a few tips for those of you that are new to the S60 world. Before I start with the list I have to give my most important advice: Do your research! Read about the subject and try to stay on top of the latest news, you will not only learn more, but you’ll get to know how to use your new toy as best as possible. Most importantly remember to have fun. Here are a few things that you should know to get you started.

1) Know the Menu button: That button with the two figures that looks like two snakes is the Menu button. Pressing it once brings up the “Menu” with all your apps and settings. Now try this: open any program by using the D-pad. Once it’s open don’t exit just yet. Press the Menu again to “minimize” the app. Now choose another app to open. Now here comes the trick: hold down the Menu button in and automatically a bar should appear with open apps. This way you can switch between the open apps without having to close them down. Multi-tasking heaven.

2) Know the Pencil Key: the Pencil key has, well, a pencil on it. You can use it to copy text and later on paste it in another location, just like on your PC. When there is user selectable text, hold the pencil key in and while doing that use the left or right direction on the D-Pad to select the text you want. As soon as you start selecting the text the text will get highlighted and “Copy” will appear. When you’re happy with the selected text, let go of the D-pad (still holding to the pencil key) and choose “Copy” and let go of all buttons. Now go to the area you want to copy the text: hold the pencil key again and both “copy” and “paste” will appear, just select “paste” and the text should appear.

3) Update your phones firmware: When you do this, you are updating the phone operation software (also known as firmware), that is embedded in the read-only memory of the device, including native applications such as the calendar and phonebook. This is similar to the operating system software on your PC. The update consists of improvements to this software, adding new features or fixing bugs. Just make sure you have PC Suite installed, have a full charge on the phone, download and install the Nokia Software Updater. With Nokia Software Updater open, connect the USB cable to the phone and PC and when asked choose: PC Suite Mode. Follow the instructions and whatever you do, don’t disconnect the cable or power down your PC. Fellow blogger Ricky, the Symbian Guru has a great guide on this, have a look here.

4) Add more apps, add more functionality: With S60 you choose what functionality your phone has by getting the apps you want. Just like your PC. There are thousands of free programs; a good place to start is the Howard Forums S60 3rd freeware thread.

5) Get Nokia’s latest apps specifically for your device: Nokia constantly releases new apps for your phone; get them at your phones support page.

6) Download general software from Nokia for your phone or PC.

7) Stay up-to-date with the latest news: There are plenty of sites that have lots of reviews, tips, trick and news. I recommend: Darla Mack, Symbian Guru, Allaboutsymbian, Symbian-Freak, Intomobile, Engadgetmobile and of course the Nokia Guide 

Know your community: There’s an entire community around these S60 devices, know your fellow S60 users and share ideas or just help each other out, a good place to start is the Howard Forums.

9) Read the manual: This one may be obvious but a lot of people I know don’t read the manual. While some things are obvious, chances are you will also probably miss a few things. It’s good that the interface doesn’t change that much with newer phones, less reading when you get a new phone.

What other tips do you guys have? Post them in the comments section.