Ways to Send SMS Text Messages

SMS messages are commonplace for individuals who own and use cellular phones. They are so common place you probably have made and received dozens, if not hundreds of SMS messages within the past few months. Of course, most of use known and refer to SMS messages by a different name: text messages.

SMS stands for "short message service." These messages are small text messages that can be sent back and forth between mobile devices. These messages are sent in a similar way as phone calls, where you will select the user, but instead of calling the person, you type the message out with the phone's keypad and send it when complete. Traditionally, this feature is only used by cell phone users, however, it is possible to send and receive a SMS message from a computer connected to the Internet, as well.

Although this can change slightly between the make and model of particular cell phones, most steps for sending a SMS message are similar. Navigate to your contacts or address book on the cell phone. Select the individual you would like to send the message to. You will most likely be given the option of "Calling" or "Texting" the contact. Select "Text." On some smart phones, the option even includes the language, "SMS message." A blank screen will come up and you will be free to type out the message you'd like them to receive. Press the "OK" or "Send" button, and the message will be sent to your contact's phone.

Many instant messaging programs have a feature that will allow you to send an SMS message to a person's cell phone. Open your instant messenger and log onto your account. Once the "Buddy List" loads, you will find an image of a cell phone somewhere on the window. Click this. A new window will appear. Type in the number of the contact, then type in the message. Click "Send" and the message will be sent to the person's phone.

As long as your cell phone can accept text messages, you will be able to read the message. (Most, if not all cell phones made in recent years have text features on the phone). Once a message is sent to you, the phone will notify you of the message. Click "OK" and the message will appear on the screen for you to read. If you would like to respond to the message click "Respond," and you will be able to write your respond message.

You can also look back at previous messages sent to you. Press the "Menu" button on your phone, then navigate through the available selections and choose "Text Messages." From here you will be able to look at all SMS messages which have taken place over the phone. If you select one of the conversations you can delete it by clicking the "Delete" button (typically the top left button on must standard cell phones). Although accessing your SMS messages can change from each model of cell phone, this is generally how you can view the messages.