How to Set Up a Facebook Profile

Networking and finding old friends on the internet has become easier thanks to Facebook. After you set up a Facebook profile, you can add new applications and search for friends. Here's how to get started.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Call up the Facebook home page. You will be directed to a page where you can set up a Facebook account.

2. Find the box marked “Sign up for Facebook. It’s free to use and anyone can join.” Fill in the tabs in this box. Choose a password that is easy for you to remember, but difficult for others to guess.

3. Click the “Sign Up” button. You will proceed to the next page.

4. Complete the form on the page entitled, “Sign Up and Start Using Facebook.” All fields on this page must be completed for you to sign up.

5. Click the “Sign Up” button. You will proceed to a page with a button that will take you to the email account you provided.

6. You will receive a confirmation email at the email address you provided during sign-up. Click the link provided in the email to activate the new Facebook profile you have created.

7. You will proceed to a Facebook message confirming that your account is ready. Sign in at the left of the screen, with the email address you registered and the password you gave.

8. After you sign in, Facebook will check your email address book to find friends who currently have Facebook profiles. You can skip this step if you would like.

9. Enter Profile information, including schools you have attended and your city of residence.

10. You will now see the profile you have created. You can upload photos (including one to use as your main profile picture) and add applications. When you add friends, links to their profiles will appear on this page. You will also have a “Wall” on which friends can leave messages. You are now ready to explore Facebook and network!

Tips & Warnings

• The Facebook profile is only for personal accounts. For businesses, bands or products, you have the option to “create an ad” or “create a page” within the profile sign up.
• When entering a password for a Facebook profile, the “Password Strength” will appear below. A strong password is difficult for others to guess. This is especially important on a public-access computer.
• When you enter a city of residence, Facebook will include you in that city’s “Network.” You can join other networks as well.
• The best way to navigate Facebook is to take the time to discover the different aspects of the profile page.
• The fun of Facebook lies in the networking and ability to add applications. Applications include games and virtual “gifts” you share with your Facebook friends.
• You can change privacy settings through the “Privacy” link in the top right-hand corner of the Facebook screen. This helps you control who sees your profile and who can search for you.
• If you have problems creating your profile, Facebook provides helpful links throughout the process.
• To cancel a Facebook profile, go to the “My Account” link in the top right-hand corner of the Facebook screen. Click the link to “Deactivate Account.” Deactivating is a simple, hassle-free process.
• Read the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy before creating a Facebook profile.
• Advertisers on Facebook will target you based on the profile you create and the messages you send.

Resources

• Facebook home page