iPhone/iPod Touch + Cell Phone Alerts

One of the many new ways I plan to keep everyone informed is through a new social networking site called "Twitter". This is one of those site's that you go on to find out what you're friends are up to. But I am going to be using it to manage our Howell TSA cell phone alerts. However, Twitter is also now compatible with iPhone, iPhone 3G, iPod Touch, and the 2nd Generation iPod Touch. And so, this guide will show you how to configure Twitter for these devices.


The 1st step is download Twitter on your device. So first, from the main menu, select the "App Store", and tap the Search button on the bottom.

You should now be on a screen that looks somewhat similar to what you see above. From here, type "Twitter" in the search bar.

From the search results that appear, select the one called "Twitterific". From the search results that appear.

This application is entirely free, so you will be able to download it without having charge. However, you are required to have an iTunes Music Store Account in order to download Twitterific. You can make an iTunes Account by downloading the latest release of iTunes on your Mac or PC. Also, upon installation you will be prompted for your iTunes Music Store password.

After installation, press the Home button on your device, and select Twitterific.

From here, you will be asked if you have an Twitter Account, if not, you will have to create one from Twitter.com. This can also be done from your device. After that, simply go to:
Twitter.com/HowellTSA and "Follow HowellTSA". And now, you're all setup to receive alerts from Twitter on your iPhone or iPod Touch. Alerts will NOT be sent out during normal school hours.

Cell Phone Alerts

From the Twitter website, select "Settings" and click "Devices". On this page you can configure your mobile phone to receive SMS Text Message Alerts from Twitter. From this page you can also configure to have alerts disabled during certain hours of the day (though I will NOT be posting alerts during normal school hours). Also, keep in mind that standard text messaging fees may apply.

(click image to enlarge)