What is Gmaill?

If you've been online at all, then chances are good that you have heard mention of Gmail -- or perhaps even sent an email to someone who had a Gmail address. But what exactly is it? What does it do? And why would anyone want one? We'll answer those questions here. First, let's take a look at how Gmail works.

A Little Bit About E-Mail Services Before Getting Started With Your Own Account

E-mails can be forwarded from one person to another without any special software required. This means everyone has access to this capability. There are many different types of mail services available today, but most fall into two categories: localhost (or "inbox") type accounts like Hotmail, Yahoo! Mail, AOL etc., which store data on your computer hard drive, usually as files called.PSTs; and remote server based programs such as GMail, LiveJournal, Blogger, Facebook and other sites that use a centralised database of information kept by servers run by companies. A variety of options exist within each category, so there isn't much more than superficial differences among them.

One advantage of having a large amount of storage space is that you don't need to delete emails once they're read. In contrast, if you send something over the Internet, the recipient may not save it until he/she gets home. If you receive an important message while away from his laptop, some people will print out copies of everything arriving in their inboxes rather than reading it later. Even when receiving via cell phone, the sender still must decide whether to keep the message after viewing it.

There are numerous advantages to using Gmail. One of these is its ability to handle multiple addresses easily. People often sign up for several different web logins, including personal, work and school accounts, and keeping track of all these leads to confusion. Gmail solves this problem by giving every user only one login name, known as @gmail.com. When signing up for Gmail, users simply enter their desired username and password under the Sign Up field. Once logged in, new users can create additional usernames (e-mail aliases) by clicking the link labeled Create New Alias next to My Aliases.

This flexibility allows people to change their names whenever they wish without worrying about losing old passwords. Another benefit of Gmail is that messages can be viewed in HTML format instead of plain text (.txt). For example, HTML codes show hyperlinks differently from normal links, making it easier for readers to navigate through long pages.

The last thing worth mentioning regarding e-mail is that because Gmail keeps logs of incoming messages, spammers won't know where to send their junk mail. Therefore, spam doesn't stand a chance.

With all these benefits, we think it should come as no surprise that Gmail quickly became popular amongst internet surfers worldwide. On top of being easy to set up, simple to use and intuitively organized, Gmail offers lots of features that make surfing the net less frustrating. You just click on a link and get taken directly to the page you were looking for. It makes searching for websites and articles far simpler than trying to remember URLs. Plus, since Gmail stores data remotely on databases managed by Google, accessing your mailbox is faster than waiting hours for download speeds to complete.

Now that we understand how Gmail works, let's learn how to start using it.

Setting Up An Email Address At gmaiL

Creating an email account is fairly straightforward. All you need to do is go to http://www.google.com and follow the instructions presented on screen. After entering your desired Username and Password, you'll see a box titled Create my account. Click the button labelled Next to finish setting up your own unique Gmail address. A pop-up window containing your new password will appear. Enter this code twice onto the same keypad to confirm successful creation of your account. Then return to the previous screen and select Finish Setup.

Once this process is completed, you'll find yourself staring down at a brand new folder named Other on the left side of your homepage. Right below, you'll notice three icons representing functions relating to mail, contacts, calendars and tasks. These correspond to areas where you can view your inbox, manage friends lists, maintain schedules and organize projects. To open up your inbox, click on either icon corresponding to mail, contacts or calendar events.

After opening up your inbox, you'll immediately recognize that Gmail looks similar to Outlook Express except for the fact that the folders are arranged horizontally across the browser window instead of vertically. Each folder contains individual tabs for messages sent or received by that particular address. However, unlike with traditional e-mail clients, you can sort Gmail messages according to time frame by selecting Tools followed by Options. By default, the first tab shows unread mail, whereas the second displays mail marked as Spam. Both tabs contain buttons allowing you to filter out certain messages.

Filtering Messages Using Labels

To further enhance your organization skills, consider creating labels. Once done, you can assign words or phrases describing topics contained in incoming mails to help categorize them properly. For instance, if you work part-time, label incoming mail accordingly with keywords related to your job function. Doing this helps you better identify the content of certain messages without having to scroll through hundreds of unopened ones.

Another feature of labeling is that you can copy entire groups of messages and paste them into separate folders. Thus, you could have one folder designated for personal correspondence, while another holds business correspondence pertaining to your career. Since labels aren't visible on the actual inbox itself, this method of organizing mail makes it easier to spot items needing attention while avoiding the clutter associated with too many messages.

What Is Gmail Used For?

Because Gmail uses a centralized approach to storing data, it's ideal for people working together on projects online. Instead of sending lengthy group chats back and forth, documents created during discussions can be accessed through a shared URL. Also, you can share contact details with others and instantly add them to your buddy list. As mentioned earlier, labelling incoming messages gives you extra control over sorting out which threads require immediate attention. Lastly, if you have a lot of photos saved on your PC, uploading these pictures to your Gmail account is possible. Simply drag 'n drop them into the appropriate file section and hit Save Uploaded Image(s).

While we've covered some basic knowledge concerning Gmail, it's always wise to check out FAQs posted on various parts of the site. They include answers to common queries ranging from logging in problems to issues surrounding security. Additionally, you can refer to the Help Center located towards the bottom right corner of your homepage. From here, you can browse past posts related to anything discussed above.

As you probably know already, Gmail is owned by Google Incorporated, a multinational corporation headquartered in Mountain View, California. So why would anyone choose to subscribe to such a company's product? Well, although Google might seem like a scary place to visit sometimes, it actually strives to give customers high quality products and customer support. In addition, the privacy policies put forward by Google states clearly that Gmail records obtained through usage of the system remain solely on the user end. No third party entities are given permission to obtain said information unless specifically requested to do so. Furthermore, Gmail encrypts all traffic transmitted through its network to prevent unauthorized individuals from spying on private transactions.

Lastly, due to its popularity, Gmail has become a great tool for businesses. Through integration of Gmail with Google AdSense, advertisers can display ads relevant to the subjects of emails sent by subscribers. Because of this, Gmail is currently considered the largest untapped advertising medium.

We hope this article was helpful in explaining Gmail and answering our initial question. Now you know enough to feel comfortable getting started with creating your own account. Good luck!

What Are the advantages of using a Gmail account?

What is the main difference between email and Gmail?

What are the disadvantages of Gmail?

Gmail is an online application used by millions around the world to send emails, documents and other items via Internet. It's one of the most widely popular services on the Internet because it offers features such as unlimited space for storing your files and sending them from anywhere, fast searching capabilities, easy integration into web pages, etc...

However there are still many people who have no idea what exactly is Gmail and how can they access this great tool. So let us try to answer all these questions now!

What is the difference between email & Gmail?

Email and Gmail are completely different things but it seems like some confusion arises due to similar names (e.g., "Mail" vs. "Gmail"). Let me explain you more about their differences.

First of all, we should note that 'email' actually refers to any electronic mail message sent through networks. But when we talk about internet based applications, such as Gmail, Yahoo Mail, Hotmail, AOL Mail, GMail, etc., then we speak about those programs which provide users with tools allowing them to easily manage their incoming/outgoing mails. These programs are called "webmails".

So, before understanding what is Gmail, firstly we should understand what is email. If you want to know more details about this topic please visit our articles section where you will find lots of interesting information related to "what is email?" and "how do I create my own personal website?".

Now after knowing everything about email, lets move forward and discuss about what is Gmail. As mentioned above, Gmail is just another name given to internet based email management programs. This means if you already have installed Outlook Express, Windows Live Mail, Thunderbird or any other software providing you with ability to manage your mails, then you definitely don't need Gmail. You only need to install new software - gMail client, so that you could be able to check your mails without delay.

But if you're not using any of those programs yet (or) if you haven't installed any, then go ahead and download latest version of gMail client [http://www.google.com/accounts] onto your PC or Mac computer. Once downloaded, open it up and follow simple instructions provided on screen to get started. After installation process finishes, launch gMail client once again and start enjoying its wonderful features right away.

Are Gmail and Email the same thing?

No, they are not. In fact, Gmail has nothing to do with 'email'. They are two entirely separate entities. However, every time someone says he uses Gmail, he usually means he uses his email account too since almost everyone signs up for Gmail accounts during registration. Hence, sometimes it may happen that person might think Gmail and email are the same thing.

On the contrary, while email itself simply describes any type of communication over network(s), Gmail specifically deals with managing your online mailbox. Thus, even if you sign up for several different types of mailing lists, each list would receive unique address inside your Gmail inbox. For example, if you register on multiple websites, each of them will be assigned its own distinct email ID inside your Gmail account.

Which is better to use Email or Gmail?

As you probably noticed from previous paragraphs, Gmail is much easier to handle than regular email clients (such as Eudora). Why? Because Gmail gives you total control over your inboxes. No longer does anyone else decide what goes into it, when it gets delivered or whether you'll read it today or tomorrow. Instead, Gmail keeps track of your habits and suggests new ideas to improve your reading experience. And best of all, it integrates seamlessly with nearly every major site on the Net. Just imagine having your entire life organized within your single inbox -- calendar appointments, bank statements, recipes, photos, links to favorite sites, contact info for friends, family members, colleagues, and thousands of others. All neatly categorized for quick reference. When was the last time you had so much stuff cluttering up your desk drawers, night tables, bookshelves, closets, and shelves? We hope never. That's precisely why Gmail exists: To make sure that you never lose anything important ever again.

Do I need both Email and Gmail?

If you've been following along with the above paragraphs, you must realize that yes, you absolutely do need both email addresses and Gmail accounts. Otherwise, you won't be able to enjoy all benefits offered by Gmail.

For example, say you work at home and you'd rather keep your mail out of sight. With Gmail, you can set up filters to route certain pieces of junk mail straight to Spam folder. Or maybe you prefer to see everything at once, instead of sorting through hundreds of messages at once. Again, Gmail makes it possible by letting you view dozens of messages simultaneously. Imagine opening five tabs containing ten messages apiece -- it's enough to drive you crazy. Not available in traditional mail readers. Now imagine doing that with 100 messages, 200 messages, 1,000 messages, 10,000 messages -- whatever number you choose. You can literally spend days sifting through endless streams of mail, trying to figure out what you really need to pay attention to. Gmail lets you sort through those messages quickly and efficiently, helping you stay focused on what matters most.

Another benefit comes with the way Gmail handles attachments. Say you received a large file attachment from your cousin in Australia yesterday. How long will it take until you dig out her letter explaining she accidentally hit delete button when typing? Well, thanks to Gmail, you can attach that file to your draft, save it locally, upload it to your blog, or share it freely with whomever you wish. Even if you forget to look at your unread messages for weeks, Gmail remembers what you were working on, displays it alongside your current project, and reminds you when something needs action.

In short, Gmail makes emailing fun again. Whether you're looking for ways to simplify your workflow or boost productivity, there are plenty of reasons why you should give Gmail a shot. After signing up, you'll discover how quickly you can become accustomed to Gmail's innovations. Before long, you'll wonder how you got along without it.

There are many people who have an online presence on the Internet, but only use one or two web services to log into their accounts. Email is probably the most popular option because it's simple and easy -- just type "youraddress@domainname" (or whatever address you want) into your browser window, log in, and send out messages. It couldn't be simpler. However, there are some drawbacks. Here we'll look at ten of them.

What are the main disadvantages of email?

Email has been around since 1973 and yet today it still gets major criticism from users. Some problems include:

Spam emails - spam is unsolicited commercial advertising sent through electronic mail. Spammers try to trick unsuspecting computer users by offering products they actually need or desire, such as anti-virus software or new versions of Windows operating systems. If you receive lots of spam, you can report these messages to the company responsible via its abuse link. Alternatively, if you're using Microsoft Outlook Express, go to Tools & Options & Rules / Block Messages From Certain Senders. You may not get all spammers so this method might help reduce your load.

Sending attachments without warning - when sending attachments over email, especially large ones like photos, videos, etc., make sure to limit the size of those files otherwise the recipient could run up his/her bandwidth bill quickly. Make sure to set the file transfer options before opening any attachment windows. Also keep in mind that if someone else uses your PC then other programs will open too which means more bandwidth usage. That said, don't forget to check your outgoing message settings to see what happens when you hit Send!

Slow connection speeds - even though broadband connections provide faster download times than dialup, sometimes it seems slower than molasses due mainly to network congestion caused by high traffic levels. This problem gets worse during peak hours, holidays, and weekends. On top of that, sending video clips, images, or audio tracks can take forever. There are ways to improve your experience, however, including setting your modem speed lower, limiting the amount of data allowed per session, reducing your upload rate, changing your IP address, and making changes to certain router settings.

How do I know whether my ISP blocks access to particular domains? - ISPs often block access to sites known to host viruses, spyware, malware, phishing scams, and other forms of malicious content. For example, Comcast blocked YouTube last year after complaints about copyright infringement. In addition, your ISP may block certain websites based upon regional restrictions. To find out, simply visit the domain name blocking page provided by your provider and enter the URL you wish to view. Unfortunately, sometimes blocking occurs without notice.

Limited privacy - while email allows us to communicate freely, our personal information is easily exposed by third parties. Many companies sell user information to marketers or scour the net looking for potential victims. Using anonymous proxies, VPNs, Tor, and secure messaging services can protect your identity.

Poor customer support - most providers offer poor customer support. They either lack competent tech representatives or they refuse to give answers to questions regarding technical issues. Plus, once you've signed up, it's hard to cancel unless you contact your provider directly.

Messaging overload - as mentioned above, we tend to rely heavily on email to stay connected to friends and family. As a result, we end up receiving hundreds of messages every day. Even worse, some of these messages are difficult to sort out. With instant messenger applications like Skype, Facebook Chat, AIM, ICQ, MySpace IM, Twitter, SMS text messaging, and others available, it's no wonder inboxes fill up fast. We recommend using tools like Mail Organizer Pro [Broken Link Removed] and Sortd [No Longer Available].

It takes time to learn how to customize email signatures. Sometimes, you may feel compelled to add something extra to let everyone know who you really are -- i.e.: where you work, where you went to school, your hobbies, etc. But adding everything is unnecessary and overwhelming. Instead, start small. Add your first signature line and stick to five lines maximum. Then later on, you can add additional details.

In summary, email is convenient but it does have several weaknesses. Fortunately, there are alternatives available. We encourage readers to explore alternative solutions to solve the shortcomings of traditional email.

What are the 10 Disadvantages of email?

Here are some more reasons why traditional email sucks:

Many people say they hate email because it forces them to sit down and read long documents. While this is true, it doesn't mean you should avoid reading lengthy email chains altogether. Just break them up into smaller chunks and highlight sections that interest you the most. This way you won't spend as much time scrolling through boring paragraphs.

When replying to multiple emails, it's frustrating to delete entire sentences just to create space between replies. Try creating templates instead. Create short phrases, words, or sentences that contain useful information. When you reply back to individual threads, copy and paste the template saving yourself keystrokes.

Emails lose importance overtime. Since most recipients usually scan and respond to important emails right away, unimportant ones pile up until tomorrow when they eventually fall behind the clutter. One solution would be to schedule email alerts with reminders. Or better yet, tell everyone you know to ignore your incoming emails. Then you won't miss anything critical.

You cannot attach links to email messages. Sure, if you were composing an article you'd embed hyperlinks within the body of the message itself but whenever you send an email with embedded links, the recipient must click each link individually. Why not save him/her the hassle? Save the trouble and use bookmarklets instead. Bookmarklet technology enables you to place URLs anywhere on your webpage. These bookmarks allow visitors to jump directly to parts of your site without clicking links.

Another disadvantage of email is that you never know if your message was received properly. Did anyone ever stop writing a letter halfway and ask themselves, "Where did I put my pen?" Well, the same thing applies to email. Check your junk folder, filter servers, or install a good antivirus system to ensure proper delivery.

If you happen to own a smartphone, you'll appreciate that you can't synchronize contacts between devices. So if you change phones, all of your old numbers become useless. Also, you can't sync calendars and schedules from your phone to your desktop. And if you use Gmail, you can't export your customized labels.

The ability to organize folders is essential for keeping track of archived items. Otherwise, you'll soon have a mess on your hands.

Some people claim they hate email because it is impersonal. Yes, email lacks human interaction but you can always call someone instead. Unless you are trying to reach a business colleague, friend, or co-worker, consider speaking personally or face-to-face rather than firing off an email. After all, isn't it easier to talk face-to-face than it is to write a letter?

As mentioned earlier, there are plenty of disadvantages associated with email. Hopefully you now understand enough about how things currently stand to decide whether you'd prefer to continue using it.

Now lets move onto the advantages of having a Gmail account.

What are the advantages of having a Gmail account?

Advantages of Having a Gmail Account:

1.) Storage Space - Gmail offers 1GB worth of storage space for your messages. Once you exceed that, the excess capacity goes towards serving ads. By comparison, Yahoo Mail gives 2 GB whereas Hotmail offers 5 GB. Although storage space is limited, Google makes efforts to upgrade their offerings regularly.

2.) Search Functionality - Unlike other email clients, Gmail relies on advanced algorithms to determine relevance. Essentially, Gmail treats your searches as queries entered into Google's database. Consequently, you receive results that match your query terms. Another feature Gmail possesses is SmartLabels. This unique tool helps you categorize your incoming messages according to subject matter. All of these features come together to enhance productivity.

3.) Security Features - Gmail utilizes SSL encryption to encrypt all transmissions made through its website. Furthermore, Gmail has built-in security measures that prevent unauthorized downloads of your private information. These safeguards also enable Gmail to comply with various regulations regarding privacy policies. Lastly, Gmail employs a variety of spam filters that identify suspicious links and remove them accordingly.

4.) Availability across platforms - Gmail works seamlessly across different platforms like PCs, Macs, Linux machines, Android smartphones, iPhones, iPads, Kindle Fire tablets, BlackBerrys, and Nokias Maemo phones. Hence, wherever you go you'll be able to access your email account.

5.) Collaboration capabilities - Gmail supports collaboration among members belonging to groups and teams. Members can share ideas, brainstorming sessions, project plans, and updates to group projects. Additionally, team leaders can assign tasks to individuals and monitor progress. Team managers can chat privately with workers and resolve conflicts.