Lesson 2: Using Gmail
Why Should You Use Gmail?
How to Set Up a Gmail Account
Please read all instructions before going to the Gmail sign in page
and creating your email account.
Double click on Internet Explorer to open a web browser.
Click in the address bar and type www.google.com/mail
When the Gmail sign in page appears, move your mouse pointer to the box in the lower right-hand corner and click on "Sign up for Gmail."
Fill out the fields on the registration page that appears next. Note: For your alternate email address, please use an email you will be able to check to retrieve your password in case it is lost.
Your login name: Use the first three letters of your first name, a period, then the first four letters of your last name. For example, an email address for John Smith would look like this:
joh.smit@gmail.com
If your first choice for your login name is already taken, try putting a 2 after your last name (joh.smit2@gmail.com).
After you create your login name and password, please give it to a staff member at your site, but do not give your password to anyone else. Make sure you write it down in case you forget.
Hint: When choosing a password, build one by:- using the first three letters of the website
- adding a two-digit number known only to you
- a keyword of four to five letters to use in all of your passwords
- choose one of the letters in your keyword to capitalize
Your password as described above might look like this: gma22toAst
Using a combination of lower and uppercase letters and numbers helps you create a strong password. This technique will also
help you remember it.
Read Gmail's Service Agreement and click "I Accept" to register your account.
Congratulations! Your Gmail account is set up and ready to go! Be sure to read the first emails the Gmail team sends to your inbox. There are lots of tips on how Gmail works and all of the cool things it does.
Before continuing to the next part of this lesson, Log into your gmail account and send us an email at adult.learning@gmail.com.
Common Questions About Signing Up for a Gmail Account
1. Why can't I have that email address?
Gmail is a popular service and many people are using it, so many names are already in use by other Gmail members. Try another name, or use add numbers, a dash (-) or an underscore ( _ ).
2. Why do they need so much information to register?
Accurate information is important in case you forget your Gmail ID or password. They will confirm your identity using your birthday, postal code, and "Challenge Question and Answer" to make sure you are the one requesting your login information. Gmail can only send your ID or password to your alternate email address once they have confirmed that you are the account owner. This protects you against other people trying to gain access to your email account. If you have entered any of the registration information incorrectly, Gmail will not be able to remind you of your login or password.
3. Why do I have to retype the password?
Retyping the password confirms that the password is correct and that it is typed as you wanted it to be. If you made a typing error while creating your password, you would not be able to access your account using the password you meant to enter.
4. Why do I have to type in the letters and numbers in the picture?
This is called a CAPTCHA. Typing in these letters and numbers helps Gmail verify that you are a real person, because people who send spam emails sometimes use computer programs to register large numbers of email addresses. You will see CAPTCHA boxes on other websites when they want to confirm your registration.
More Information on Gmail Features
Click here to watch a short video from Google explaining a few of the features of a Gmail account.
Congratulations! You have finished the lesson on GMail and can move on to iGoogle. Before you move on, click on the form below to fill it out. The form must be completed to enter the monthly draw!
