How the WhatsApp application works. What is WhatsApp and how to use it on your phone, computer and tablet? Helper for installing WhatsApp on iPad and iPodtouch

The article talks about what WhatsApp is, how to use this program and how to launch it on your computer and phone.

Limitless communication

Not so long ago, even regular mobile communications were a luxury, and not everyone could afford it. Fortunately, times have changed, and ever-evolving digital technologies have made communication virtually limitless, regardless of distance. This was primarily facilitated by the Internet. Unlimited broadband access will not surprise anyone now, although there are remote corners of the country where there is still no connection to the global Internet at all. But the biggest role was played by the development of the mobile Internet and all kinds of portable devices such as smartphones and tablets. And an application called WhatsApp is especially popular these days. So what is WhatsApp, how does it work and what are its advantages? We'll figure this out.

“Whatsapp” is a free application, originally developed for mobile systems of the iOS family. A little later it was focused on all other operating systems. Its purpose is to allow users to exchange instant text messages, calls and files. But how is this different from regular voice communication or SMS?

The fact is that for this the program uses only the mobile Internet, and not the balance of the SIM card. For example, if a regular SMS costs, say, 2 rubles, then a text message of exactly the same size sent via WhatsApp will cost a few kopecks, since the cost is calculated not by the fact of sending, but based on its size in kilobytes. Simply put, its cost is much lower. But to analyze the question of what WhatsApp is, other functions and their advantages should be mentioned.

For example, voice calls are charged according to the same principle, and a call to a person located on the other side of the city or continent will be the same in cost. Naturally, provided that he also uses this program. WhatsApp also allows you to send various files, for example, photos, videos, documents and exchange voice messages. And all this is much cheaper than using regular mobile communications. So now we know what WhatsApp is. Where can I get this wonderful application?

Official stores

For all modern mobile devices, you can find WhatsApp in the official application stores. It is not recommended to download and install from a third-party site, since the file may be infected with viruses, and security programs are still not available on all devices. Unlike PC malware, mobile device viruses primarily seek to steal money from your phone balance, and some can sit in the system for months, secretly sending paid SMS messages.

It's also worth mentioning that it's completely free. WhatsApp starts charging a fee only after a year of use, and it is only $1 (per year).

Another advantage of this application is that there is no need to register or create an account somewhere. WhatsApp uses the phone number itself as an identifier. And because of this, there is also no need to manually add contacts - all the people in the directory who are already using the program will automatically appear in its contacts list.

Install WhatsApp on your computer

With the growing popularity, a version for personal computers appeared. But, unlike similar ones (the same Viber), you do not need to download a program created specifically for a PC; it works through a web interface. This has both its pros and cons. But let's talk about everything one by one.

In order to launch it on your computer, you need to go to web.whatsapp.com and then scan the RQ code that appears through a special function on the mobile version of this program. It is called by pressing the context menu button. After this, the application will be available for use. As you can see, everything is very simple, and you don’t need to bother with installation and other unnecessary steps.

But you have to pay for simplicity, and one of the disadvantages is that WhatsApp must be running on the phone at this moment, otherwise the PC version will not work. The same applies to connecting a mobile device to the network.

Bottom line

What is WhatsApp on a phone? This is a simple, free and low-device application that makes communication almost limitless. You no longer need to worry about your SIM card balance - as long as the Internet works, WhatsApp works.

In a short time, this program quickly gained well-deserved popularity; now you can find a lot of similar applications operating on similar principles, but WhatsApp is available on almost any modern device. This is also facilitated by the fact that versions exist for all mobile operating systems.

So now we know what this application is, what it is for and what its features are.

What is WhatsApp and what is the secret of the popularity of this application?

The original name is written as What's App, and in fact it is a messenger that allows its users to communicate for free by sending text messages and voice calls.

The latest versions of the application have the ability to make video calls. There is no need to pay for the connection; it is established using Internet traffic.

Thus, you are charged only according to the tariff you use from the global network provider.

What is the application used for?

The main purpose of using the program is to send text messages or make calls/video calls between users from all over the world.

Sending and receiving data occurs in real time.

To ensure the best level of communication, the WhatsApp application uses WiFi or 3G connection of your device to the global Internet.

It is also possible to use the 2G standard, however, some versions of smartphones and tablets may not work correctly if the connection is weak.

User messages are sorted and stored in the form of conversations.

You can also attach and send different formats of documents, pictures, music, videos and animations to texts.

Users can also use emoticons or stickers during correspondence. You can buy the sticker sets you like or use free ones.

Interesting fact! According to 2012 statistics, mobile operators from all over the world lost more than $35 billion due to the mass installation and use of the WhatsApp program by users.

Thus, the utility became the first messenger of its kind to provoke such losses for cellular companies.

Main features of What's App:

Cross-platform (works on different devices, regardless of the installed OS);
Instant synchronization of all user data;
Free communication when using an Internet connection;
A fee for using the program’s services is charged only if you want to call a user who does not have WhatsApp or contact a landline;
Ability to create a group conversation between users;
With the WEB function, you can easily receive incoming messages and calls in real time using the browser on your computer;
No passwords or digital codes to log into your account. Linking is carried out only using a phone number. At the same time, the company guarantees its users a secure connection and protection against unauthorized copying of data;
Work in the background without putting a heavy load on the battery of your smartphone or tablet.

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Messenger installation process

You can download and install the program absolutely free. Thanks to its cross-platform functionality, you can simultaneously install the application on all the gadgets you use.

It supports operating systems Windows, MacOS, Android, IOS, Linux, Symbian, Debian. The process of creating an account and getting started is the same in different versions of the OS.

Let's look at the process of installing an application on a device running Android OS.

Follow the instructions:

Go to the Google Play Store application;
In the search text line, enter the name of the utility in Latin or transliterated: WhatsApp, WhatsApp or What’s App;
In the search results, click on the first result and in the window that opens, click on the Download button (it's free). Wait for the installation to complete.

Now that the installation of the WhatsApp messenger is complete, you need to create and configure an account, and also inform everyone you know about it.

Short instructions on how to use the program?

After installation, you can start using the application.

To set up your profile, follow the instructions below:

The mobile version of the program for Android consists of five windows, between which the user can switch using flips: window of favorite contacts, status, dialogs, contacts, program settings;
After the first launch, enter your phone number in the application window, then enter the code from the message that was delivered to your mobile number in the verification text field. In the future, you can change the phone number in the settings tab;

All contacts will be added automatically. The application generates them using a search for phone numbers from your smartphone contact book. If one of the numbers uses WhatsApp, it is added to your friends list.

Changing your profile photo

Users can change their profile photo.

To do this, follow the detailed instructions:

Using the flip, go to the program settings window;
In the configuration window, click on the “Profile” tab and open it;

To begin the process of changing your profile picture, find the felt-tip pen icon at the top of the screen and tap on it;
Now determine how to select a photo from the file system, find the desired image and click on it. It will be automatically added to your profile;

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Whatsapp for computer - installing and configuring the application for PC

Configuring advanced settings in the application

By default, the messenger emits a sound notification about incoming calls and messages.

If you get too many messages or just don't want to hear notifications, you can turn off the sound or set your own ringtone:

In the settings window, go to the notifications tab;

In the new window, click on the “Notification sounds” field and select the notification mode in the pop-up list (vibration, silent, or select your favorite ringtone);

Users of the program also have access to the function of setting individual signals for notifications from specific users or conversations.

To configure this function, you need to go to the settings of the desired contact and select “Individual notification” from the list provided. Then select the desired melody and save the settings.

To set up a personal notification sound for a dialogue, go to the dialogue settings window and in the sound tab, select a suitable ringtone.
If you do not want to receive information about new messages at all, in the ringtone selection options (picture above), select “Mute.”

Thus, WhatsApp is one of the most popular messengers.

With it, you can enjoy a high-quality level of communication and organize all your contacts in one application.

Thematic videos:

You will receive complete information about what WhatsApp is and what devices it works on, how the messenger appeared and how many subscribers it has. You will also learn how to use WhatsApp. We offer an overview of the main functions, advantages and differences of the messenger, as well as user opinions.

WhatsApp, what is it: history and its application

What is WhatsApp? 1/7 of the planet's population knows the answer to this question for sure. After all, today there are over 1 billion users. Residents of 180 countries regularly use this messenger to keep in touch with family, friends and colleagues. WhatsApp is a convenient, fast and reliable exchange of text messages, calls, documents, video and audio files. By the way, the name WhatsApp is a derivative of the expression “What’s Up?”, which means “How are you?”

The creators of the messenger are Americans Jan Koum and Brian Acton. They wondered how to make an alternative to expensive SMS messages from cellular operators, and decided to use the Internet for instant communication. Therefore, WhatsApp chats are the main and free function. On February 24, 2009, the developers unveiled their creation. So in 2019, WhatsApp celebrated its 10th anniversary.

At first, the application itself was paid, but since 2016 it began to be officially distributed without payment. In October 2014, WhatsApp became part of the Facebook corporation, but retained its separate status.

Now active users know what WhatsApp is for. This messenger provides free sending and receiving of media files anywhere in the world where there is Internet access. Of course, you will have to pay for traffic. Moreover, this secure communication channel: WhatsApp protects all messages and calls from strangers using .

How to use WhatsApp - overview of basic functions

We will continue the story of what WhatsApp is and how to use it on your phone and computer. You already understand that this messenger is a serious competitor to regular SMS messages and cellular communications in general. Messages on WhatsApp are also delivered quickly, and you can send not only text, but also an electronic document, photo, music or video without delay or problems.

Before we talk about other useful functions, let’s find out how to use WhatsApp on your phone: step-by-step instructions will help you. First installation. And for the first step there are differences: you need to open Google Play, and for owners - the Play Store. Then all actions are the same.

1. Search for the WhatsApp application.
2. Click the “Install” button under the messenger logo.

1. Tap the “green circle with a handset” logo on the screen to open the messenger.
2. You will need to confirm your phone number; to do this, select the country where you are located, then its code will be added automatically. Enter your phone number and click “Next”.

You will receive an SMS with a code that you must enter in the appropriate field. If the message does not arrive, you can use the “Call me” option and a code will be dictated to you.
After confirmation, start filling out your profile or immediately start communicating with users.

Let's figure out what exporting a chat to WhatsApp is and why it is needed. This is a function for saving your correspondence. Let's say you want to delete an application from your phone, but you still need some conversations. Then export them so as not to lose them. You can send the chat as a text document or with added media files to your email, any social network or other messenger. To find the export option, you need to go to the chat, open the menu and click on the word “more”. And then follow the prompts.

And if the phone falls into the wrong hands, two-step verification in WhatsApp will help protect your personal data. This option can be enabled in the “Account” section. Then, every time you log into the messenger, you will need to receive a 6-digit confirmation code and enter the PIN code from your phone.

Users are wondering if there is a secret chat on WhatsApp. There is no such function yet. But it is possible to use the “Direct Communication” option. This means that you can chat privately with people whose phone numbers are not listed in your contacts. To do this you need to create a special link. And then just clear the chat.

Many people note how much the two messengers have in common: . Even their logos are similar. We won’t talk about the similarities, let’s name the differences from Viber:

The WhatsApp application takes 3 times less space in the phone.
It has convenient features for backing up and archiving data.
It is possible to pin individual messages to favorites rather than the entire chat.
There is a WhatsApp application for PC and a browser-based web version.

There is no point in drawing a conclusion: which messenger is better. Everyone has their fans. And many people use both applications on the same phone.

According to Google Play users, WhatsApp deserves a solid “B”. Of course, they would like to get more useful features, interesting media, and also get rid of the shortcomings. But in general, everything is not bad, as a user with the nickname THOR wrote: “... I’ve been using this application for a long time, it’s the only normal messenger. I like it, it’s comfortable.”

whatsapp Sep 24, 2017 17:44

Messengers are a popular means of communication among smartphone and tablet owners around the world. The article is devoted to what WhatsApp is and how to use it. Let's consider each of the points in order, starting from the features of this application and the installation procedure and ending with its configuration.

Description of the WhatsApp messenger

Many are surprised by such a memorable name for the messenger, vaguely similar to something, and try to figure out what “Whatsapp” means. The phrase itself is consonant with the expression what’s up? (in translation - how are you), but at the same time it is written differently, with an emphasis on its “mobile” purpose. But the name is not all that the application can offer its users.

The messenger allows people to communicate at a distance, and absolutely free of charge (Internet traffic, if connected via a mobile network, is paid according to the tariff, no extra charges). It is possible to conduct correspondence, send voice messages, multimedia information, as well as calls, including video calls. Chat messages can be decorated with emoticons, geolocation or audio explanation.

Developers place great emphasis on the security of their application. It involves end-to-end encryption. This is a method of protecting data (in this case, any information sent or received), in which only the sender and recipient can view the message. Interception during transmission makes no sense, since everything is encrypted.

Installing the application

Everything is clear with the features of the messenger and what WhatsApp is, now let’s move on to installing it. And this is no different from the installation procedure for other applications. Just go to the App Store or Play Market, type WhatsApp in the search and download the desired item.

If there is not enough space on the device, a corresponding error will appear. In this case, delete unnecessary data and try again.

Registration

Registration in the application is extremely simple. You just need to enter your phone number and wait for an SMS with a PIN code to arrive. Users of the latest versions of Android smartphones and tablets can enable the function of intercepting message information (a notification about this will come automatically, if such a feature is provided by the system). Then you will not need to enter the secret combination; it will be automatically copied into the appropriate field.

Settings

When the application is installed on the device and an account has been registered, you can proceed to using the messenger. You can improve the convenience of this process by customizing it.

Go to the settings menu from any application screen. The first setup item for most users is notifications. Open the appropriate tab and set the notification options according to your preferences. You can also turn off sounds directly from a specific dialogue or group, leaving the rest unchanged.

Then you should enable backup. It is valid for both iPhone and Android. But in the first case, the data is uploaded to iCloud, in the second - to Google Drive. To configure, go to “Chat – Backup...”.

Owners of limited Internet will be interested in the possibility of compressing traffic, as well as changing network parameters. The “Data” section is responsible for these items.

You can increase the security of correspondence and personal information by enabling two-step verification. It is called up in the “Account” section.

Usage

It doesn't take long to figure out how to use WhatsApp. The messenger interface is intuitive. There are a minimal number of controls, only three functional tabs: Chats, Status and Calls. In the first, you can view all message histories that have not been deleted or archived.

The second is for short notes. The statuses of added contacts are displayed there, and you can also change yours from there. The “Calls” tab is for making calls. The application, as already mentioned, supports voice and video communication.

All screens display a button for searching content and calling up menus. Understanding the use of WhatsApp is very simple. It is enough to make a few calls or participate in correspondence, then the location of all elements will become obvious.

Who today does not know what WhatsApp is and how to use it? Surely every modern smartphone and tablet user has such a wonderful messenger installed. There is no need to talk about its advantages: instant sending of both regular messages and audio and video. You can create entire conversations and communicate with your group, where each participant can read what was sent. And this is only a small part of the capabilities of the world's most popular messenger.

But what should someone who is encountering this program for the first time do? Where should he start, where to download it, how to register, how does WhatsApp work in general? These and many other questions arise before a subscriber who is just about to plunge into the world of WhatsApp. Therefore, it is advisable to talk about everything from scratch. Perhaps even an experienced user will be able to find useful information for himself.

Of course, getting any software started starts with downloading it. It is worth noting that WhatsApp is a cross-platform program. This means that it will run on almost any operating system and send messages regardless of device type. That is, from an Apple smartphone you can easily send even voice notes to a device running Android. So, how to install WhatsApp and where to download it from?

You just need to go to your device and write the name of the program in the search, then click on the button to download. The download will occur automatically, after which you can log into our application. The program is available for devices running the following systems: iOS, Android, Windows Phone, Symbian, Nokia S40, and BlackBerry OS.

First launch of WhatsApp

Do not forget that for this program to work, a prerequisite is the presence of a SIM card in the device, as well as an active Internet connection. Now you can safely run the program. After a short wait, WhatsApp will ask you to enter your phone number. You must select a country and enter data. After this, you need to wait until a message with a code for successful registration in the program arrives on your smartphone. On some devices, the entire process takes place automatically. But there are times when you will need to enter the received code manually. This completes the authorization process.

Program window

The WhatsApp workspace looks different depending on the operating system on which it is installed. However, the functionality and procedures performed are almost identical. Therefore, let’s look at its operation using the example of the Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime Android smartphone.

The top green row in the right corner has three tabs (calls, chats and contacts) and three buttons (search, new message, options). Let's start in order:

We took a detailed look at the program's workspace. Now we will answer the most popular questions from users related to the operation of WhatsApp.

Perhaps the most frequently asked question is this: what do ticks mean on WhatsApp? Here is the answer to it: one tick - the message has been transmitted to the network, but the subscriber does not have the messenger running; two gray checkmarks - the contact’s application is running, but he did not read your message; two blue or cyan ticks - the person has read what you sent him.

No less popular is the question of how to join a group. To do this, you must be added to this conversation by the person who created it, since you yourself cannot join it. Unless this very user is you yourself.

How do you know if you have been blocked from the program? The specific name cannot be found out. However, you will not be able to send messages to this subscriber. This will be some kind of indicator that you are on the black list of the specified person.

Many people are also interested in the question of how to recover messages. This is relevant if you have changed your phone, but do not want to lose messages. Moreover, this applies specifically to text, since pictures, audio and video on most devices are automatically saved in the device’s memory or flash card. For this case, the official WhatsApp FAQ page has detailed information: https://www.WhatsApp.com/faq/.

Let's sum it up

Well, we looked at the most important aspects of messaging between subscribers like WhatsApp. Now you can completely independently send messages to contacts, create groups, and mailing lists. You also found out the answers to the most popular questions from other users. This will help you avoid various troubles with the messenger or a number of other problems. If you know any interesting features or unusual uses of WhatsApp, then share this knowledge in the comments. Have a nice conversation, friends!