After last week’s article regarding Thunderbird, I had several interested users write and ask me about giving a rundown on using Gmail. So, today, let us look at some Gmail basics. I was also asked why I stated that you should have multiple email accounts, so let us look at that first.
I feel you should have multiple accounts for even more security. Using separate email addresses for different purposes can help protect your sensitive information. For example, having a dedicated email for financial transactions can reduce the risk of phishing attacks and unauthorized access to your accounts. I use one for daily uses, one for business, one for family and friends, and one for banking transactions. I even have another one I use for “secondary” financial transactions. Those are the purchases I make online, that are not for my banking. Say, from Amazon or eBay and any other online retailers. Therefore, if I receive an email claiming to be from my bank in an account not associated with financial matters, I can quickly identify it as a potential scam. Before you ask, I checked and I have 16 email accounts. These include testing accounts I have created over the years to answer readers’ questions. Some of these include emails like Yahoo.com, AOL.com, and others you have likely never heard of.
Onto using Gmail. I highly recommend you take my free YouTube course at, ghtech.site/ron-youtube, select the label, “Google Class.” They are a couple of years old, but most of the info is still correct. However, the email address with “@doublclicks” posted there are incorrect, so use RonDoyle@gmail.com to contact me with questions.
Gmail has unique features that make it one of the most popular online email services. For instance, when you sign in to Gmail, you are automatically signed in to your Google account, which allows you to easily access other Google services. Choose from Google Sheets, Calendar, Docs, YouTube, Forms, Drive, and more. Personally, many of my email addresses are Gmail accounts as I prefer it over all the others currently available.
To use Gmail, you’ll need to create an account. You can do this by visiting the Gmail website, Gmail.com, and clicking on the “Create account” button. Follow the instructions to set up your account with a username and password. You may have to try several alternate usernames. Since Gmail went public in 2004, many usernames have been taken. Unless you have a unique name you likely will not get YourName@gmail.com.
Once logged into Gmail, compose a new email by clicking on the “Compose” button. In the new email window, enter the recipient’s email address, subject, and the content of your email. You can also attach files, format your text, and add images to your emails. Gmail offers several features to help you organize your inbox. You can use labels to categorize your emails (similar to folders on a computer), create filters to automatically sort incoming emails, and use tabs to separate different types of emails.
Gmail allows you to customize various settings to suit what you like most. You can enable desktop notifications, set up vacation responses, automatically enter signatures, and more. To access these settings, click on the gear icon in the top-right corner of the Gmail interface and select “Settings.”
Gmail allows you to create and manage your contacts list. This feature makes it easy to find and email your contacts without having to remember their email addresses. This way you can enter the recipients’ names and not have to remember their email address. One of my favorite features is the Groups feature. If you have a list of people, you email regularly, say for a bowling team, scouts, church, etc., make them a group with ease.
Remember, these are just a few examples of the many features and extras that Gmail, and Google, offers. Exploring the Gmail interface and experimenting with different settings will help you discover even more ways to make the most of your Gmail experience.
