Apple’s iOS 5 software makes getting started much easier than it used to be.

Getting the most out of your new smartphone

So you found a new, fancy smartphone under the tree this year but don’t know how to get everything to work properly. No worries. We’re here to help.

Whether you are completely new to the world of smartphones or have recently switched providers, below are some helpful hints on how to set things up and get started. No matter what operating system your smartphone runs on, with this advice you’ll be a pro in a matter of minutes.

Apple’s iPhone and iOS

Up until just a few months ago when Apple’s iOS 5 mobile software debuted, setting up a new iPhone was a somewhat clunky affair. It required tethering your iPhone to an individual laptop or computer via a USB cable, and backing up all your content there. With the new iOS cloud services, Apple literally cut the cord. It’s now easier than ever to activate and seamlessly back up your apps, documents, photos and data over the air using a wireless Internet connection with no iTunes desktop app required.

Your iPhone itself should have been activated by your cellular carrier, whether it be Verizon, AT&T or Sprint in the U.S. From there, it’s just a matter of switching it on, securing a Wi-Fi connection, and following the simple instructions provided on the device. And while you can do all of this without any other hardware, there is still no harm in directly connecting your iPhone to your PC or Mac and backing up your apps via iTunes as an extra safety net. Apple seamlessly lets you switch from one to the other. Note that older model iPhones that don’t run on iOS 5 need to be tethered to a Mac or PC with Apple’s iTunes software.

The next step is to set up an Apple ID if you don’t already have one (using an email address), choose to backup all your data on iCloud and, for safety’s sake, switch on the “Find My iPhone” service just in case you lose your shiny new device. After that, you’re pretty much set and ready to explore everything the iPhone has to offer.

Within the Settings folder you can manage your contacts and set up your preferred email client. Here is where you will also set up your voice-activated Siri personal assistant. If you’re musically inclined, you’ll find seamless integration with iTunes of course. This will allow you to listen to music via your iPhone that exists in your iTunes library.

What truly makes the iPhone shine though are the apps. You’ll have some great ones built in for things like weather, stock quotes and books. However, you will find the App Store to be the place to download new apps. As there are nearly 600,000 apps available, we recommend you consider downloading these iPhone apps and games first.