How to Get Started With a New Kindle

by Spanner Spencer
The 3G Kindle connects to the Internet automatically with no setup required.

The 3G Kindle connects to the Internet automatically with no setup required.

Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images

Kindle is Amazon.com's proprietary digital reading and publishing platform, with the Kindle ebook reader as its flagship device. The Kindle can purchase and download ebooks from Amazon.com's online bookstore, as well as magazine, newspaper and blog subscriptions. The device is equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity and connects directly to your Amazon.com account, allowing you to acquire new content directly from the Kindle. When purchasing a Kindle, the device is automatically registered to your Amazon.com account, and is ready for use with minimal setup.

Step 1

Press the "Menu" button on the Kindle's keyboard and select the "Settings" option using the 5-way controller.

Step 2

Select "View" next to "Wi-Fi Settings." A list of nearby Wi-Fi networks will be displayed. Select the network you want to connect to and enter the passkey using the keyboard if requested.

Step 3

Select the "Register" option from the "Settings" screen and enter your Amazon.com account details. If you purchased the Kindle using your Amazon.com account, the device will already be registered to you.

Step 4

Go to Amazon.com's "Manage Your Kindle" page on the computer and click the "Edit" link next to "Default 1-Click Payment Method." This will allow you to purchase ebooks through the account directly from the Kindle device.

Step 5

Press the "Menu" button on the Kindle and select "Shop in Kindle Store." To perform a search of the bookstore, just start typing the search term using the Kindle's keyboard. Browse the Kindle bookstore until you find an ebook you want to buy.

Step 6

Open the ebook's listing using the 5-way controller and select "BUY" to purchase it. The ebook will automatically be downloaded straight to your Kindle.

Step 7

Press the "Home" button to return to the Kindle's library, and then select the ebook using the 5-way controller. The ebook will open for you to read.

Tip

  • The Kindle automatically remembers which page you were on in every ebook.
  • You can download samples of all ebooks before deciding whether to buy them or not.

About the Author

Spanner Spencer has been writing since 2005 for a variety of print and online publications. Focusing on entertainment, gaming and technology, his work has been published by Eurogamer.net, "The Escapist," "GamesTM," "Retro Gamer," "Empire," "Total PC Gaming" "The Guardian," among others. Spencer is a qualified medical electronics engineer with a Business and Technology Education Council certificate in technical writing from Huddersfield Technical College.

Photo Credits

  • Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images