How to Identify Common Buttons or Keys on a PDA or Cell Phone

Buttons and keys are unique to every cell phone and PDA. However, all buttons and keys have similar functions on the mobile phone. If you are having difficulty navigating or utilizing the keys on your phone, the guide below will help you understand some of the basic key functions.

Step 1: The Green Phone or Send key
Every mobile phone has a 'Phone' or 'Send' key. This is the button that most likely has a green phone icon right in the center of it.
On many cell phones and PDAs, this button will answer a call, place a call, access your call log, or switch between lines on call waiting.

Step 2: The Red Phone or End key
This common button should appear any phone made since the Stone Age. The other 'Phone' or 'End' key should have a red phone symbol in the center.
This key should end any call, ignore incoming calls, mute incoming calls, and if you press and hold the key, it will turn off the phone. On many PDAs, this button can be used to close your applications.

Step 3: Volume Up (+) and Volume Down (-) buttons
Every cell phone has volume buttons. Where models differ is in the look of the volume button. Some models use a single strip while others use two separate buttons. Regardless, they each function the same way.
The Volume Up (+) is used to increase volume on or off a call. It is also used to set all volume properties on the phone, such as ringtone volume.
The Volume Down (-) button decreases volume on or off a call. Typically, this button will mute the incoming ringtone. You also use this key to adjust the handset's volume settings.

Step 4: Menu button or Unnamed key
PDAs and cell phones come equipped with either a Menu button or a key near the screen that correlates and access the phone's menu.
Press the key to delve deeper into the phone such as accessing the main menu and sub menus. When using a mobile browser, this button brings up options for each website.

Step 5: OK button or Trackball or Trackwheel
When you need to select something, there is usually only one option. This button is essentially the 'Enter' key of the cell phone world.
If your phone does not have an OK button, pressing in on the trackwheel or trackball will typically be used for selection in cellular menus.