BACK TO E-READERS HOME
Getting started* with the Kindle 1st generation:
1. Remove the Kindle and power cord from the box.
2. Plug the power adapter into the bottom of the Kindle to start charging the battery.
An orange indicator light will come on.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Charging the battery takes less than two hours, and you can read while it's charging.
3. Locate the power and wireless buttons on the back of the Kindle. Slide them to the "on" position.
4. Press the "ALT" button and the "text key"to "wake up" the Kindle. (The ALT button is on the lower left corner of the keyboard. Look for "ALT." The "text key" is on the lower right corner of the keyboard. Look for "AA.")
Now you will see a welcome screen on your Kindle.
Next, you will be navigating your Kindle, using:
the select wheel, the cursor bar, and the keyboard.
5. Press the "Home" key to jump to the function of downloading your first book (it has a "house" symbol on the key; it's located in the bottom row of the keyboard to the right of the center margin).
Now you should see a list of contents (books, magazines,
user guide, etc.) currently on your Kindle.
6. Locate the "select wheel" to purchase your first Amazon e-book. Roll the wheel down until the cursor is at the bottom of the bar. Push the wheel in.
Now the "Shop in Kindle Store" home menu screen will appear.
7. Scroll the wheel until the cursor stops next to the selection point that says "Shop in Kindle Store." Push in the wheel. Now you'll see the Kindle store screen. 
8. Push in the wheel. On this new page, you will see a list of categories of books available for purchase.
9. Scroll the wheel again until you stop the cursor next to the category you would like to browse. Push in the wheel.
OR
Use the keyboard and begin typing the title of the book you want to purchase. (Once you begin typing, the text will automatically appear in the "Search Store" box at the bottom of the screen).
Once you finish entering your book title, push in the wheel.
GOOD TO KNOW: This search may take a few seconds, depending on your wireless connection). The search results will include a variety of categories that relate to your search.
10. Look at the options on the screen, where you will see several editions to pick from. Using your wheel, move your cursor to the selection point (the book you want to purchase). Push in the wheel.
A product detail page will appear on the screen.
11. Scroll the wheel so the cursor is next to the selection point, "Buy." Push in the wheel.
CONGRATULATIONS!
You have just purchased your first
e-book.
Your item will be auto-delivered wirelessly to your Kindle, and also added to
Your Media Library on Amazon.com. You will see an "items downloaded" message
at the bottom of the screen when your item has arrived on your Kindle.
GOOD TO KNOW: If the download is not successful, or if it is interrupted, Kindle will attempt to download again without any action required from you.
* 1. If you bought your Kindle with your Amazon account, it is already registered with your account information and you are ready to go. If you did not, you can register your Kindle by visiting the Manage Your Kindle page on Amazon.com at http:www.amazon.com/manageyourkindle.
2. All of your Kindle store purchases use Amazon 1-Click which allows you to purchase reading materials with a single selection. Before you start, be sure you have enabled the Amazon 1-Click on your Amazon.com account.
Want to learn every function of Kindle?
See Kindle's complete instruction manual
SOURCE OF DIAGRAMS: All pictures from Amazon.com Kindle First Generation User's Guide.