Use it to issue public safety alerts, broadcast real-time news developments, inform constituents,

or solicit feedback. It’s free and easy to use – here's how to get started. You

will need A computer with internet access Mobile internet access Texting capabilities

A computer with internet access Mobile internet access and texting capabilities. Step 1. Create

an account. Go to Twitter.com and click the green “Get Started” button to join. Enter

your name, user name, password, and email address, and you’re good to go. Step 2.

Decide what you want to say. In general, Twitter messages, or “tweets,” answer the question,

“What are you doing right now?” But you can also post a link, express an opinion or

reaction, or pose a question. Twitter keeps things short and sweet: Messages can be no

longer than 140 characters. Step 3. On the home page, type your message into the box

at the top of the screen and hit “Update.” Congratulations! You’ve posted your first

tweet! If your tweet is intended for one user in particular, type the ‘@’ symbol followed

by that user’s screen name before the text of your message. Step 4. Twitter is a two-way

street. Now that you’ve posted your first update, choose people whose updates you want

to follow. To search by name, click on “Find People” in the upper right corner and then

click the “Find on Twitter” tab. You can follow individuals, like friends and colleagues,

and groups, like news services, organizations, and nonprofits. People may be listed under

a screen name that doesn’t match their real name. Step 5. Once you’ve found someone

you want to hear from on Twitter, click “Follow,” and you’ll receive their updates automatically.

People you already know will often reciprocate and start following you, too. If you have

a Gmail, Yahoo, AOL, Hotmail, or MSN email account, you can import any contacts that

also have a Twitter account. You can also invite someone via email, or scroll through

a list of suggested people. Step 6. To help people find you, fill in account information

under “Settings,” such as your location, real name, and a brief bio. You can also add

the URL of your web site or blog if you have one. If you want to restrict your Twitter

updates to only those who follow you, check the box marked, “Protect my updates.”

You’ll maintain your privacy, but you’ll limit your reach. To get the full Twitter

experience, leave the box unchecked. Step 7. You don’t have to be online to use Twitter.

No matter where you are, you can stay connected with your cell phone. On the “Devices”

tab under “Settings,” enter your mobile number to receive and post Twitter updates

via text message. Twitter doesn’t charge for text messages, but your wireless provider

might. Make sure you know the details of your messaging plan. Step 8. On the “Picture”

and “Design” tabs, customize how your profile appears to others by uploading photos

and choosing background themes. Step 9. See what people on Twitter are saying about subjects

you’re interested in. At the bottom of any Twitter page, click “Search” and type

in a name or topic. Or, either below the search box or alongside search results, check out

what’s generating the most buzz by browsing through “Trending topics.” Step 10. You

can post updates from the web in the update box, via text message, on your cell phone’s

web browser using m.twitter.com, or from any third party application. Apps are available

at twitter.com/downloads. The more updates you post, the more people will follow you.

Now get tweeting! Did you know President Barack Obama announced his selection of Joe Biden

as his running mate simultaneously via text message, email, and Twitter.