Introduction to Gmail

Gmail by Google is a popular email client and system. I began using it 3 1/2 years ago, primarily because I wanted online storage for my email and contacts, allowing me to access them from anywhere (or, anywhere I had internet access.) I have been very happy with how it works for me, but I still have a lot to learn.

So, as I continue to learn, why not share that information. Hopefully it will help someone out there, and encourage others to share what tips and tricks they have learned.

To begin, I want to discuss how to get started in Gmail. First, you need to sign in to Gmail. This can be done from either the  Google homepage (click on the Sign in link at the upper right of the page; this takes you to the sign in page), or go to http://mail.google.com. Enter your email and password in the sign in box on the right side of the page. If you don’t have a Google Account, click on the link under the sign in box that says Create an account. Follow the instructions on the next page.

Please note: your username will be the first part of your email address, followed by @gmail.com. Think carefully about what you want it to be. How long do you want it? Do you want letter and numbers? If you are going to give this email address to other people, will it be easy for them to remember and type in? Is is an appropriate name for your and your business (if you use it for business).

Once your sign up and log in, click on the Gmail link along the top of the page (to the left, near the center). This takes you to your Inbox.

Now, try it out. Send an email by clicking on Compose Mail on the upper left side, just under the Gmail logo.

Type a message, choose someone to send it to (you can send it to yourself on your Gmail account, or send it to me at (gladys@gsbusinessresources.com), then click the Send button.

Congratulations, you are now up and running with Gmail.

A quick note – I have found the Spam filter on Gmail to be VERY good. I can’t remember the last time spam got through to my Inbox; it is more likely for mail I want to get labeled as Spam. The link to the Spam folder is on the menu on the left. (See its location in image above right) Click on it to get to the Spam folder. Take a look at what is there, and if you find mail that is not spam, click the Not Spam button at the top; the email goes to your Inbox, and you can also add the sender to your contact list so future email from them comes through.pan>

So far, so good? Any questions that have come up? Or, if you have been using Gmail, what questions do you have? leave a comment with questions, or tips and tricks you have discovered.