How to Get a Gmail Account

Gmail is a popular email service from the creators of Google. Technically, Gmail is still in beta form, and thus not completely open to the public. Recently, however, anyone in the U.S. can get a Gmail account simply by signing up. You can also get an account by receiving a verification code through your mobile phone.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Internet access
• Mobile phone
• Computer

1. Open your favorite Internet browser. Gmail is supported by all the major browsers with no discernable difference in display capabilities, if you have a newer browser.
2. Log onto the main Gmail Web site (see Resources below). This will allow you to sign up for a Gmail account and download Gmail Talk if you want to chat with friends online.
3. Click on the “Sign up for Gmail” link located on the right-hand side of the screen.
4. Input your name and desired login name. Click the “Check for Availability” button to see if your login name is already taken.
5. Choose a security question that will identify you to the Web site if you forget your username or password. Gmail lets you pick from four basic security questions or write your own. Enter the answer to your security question below.
6. Enter a secondary email address to verify your account in case you forget your password. Choose your country of residence from a list.
7. Type in the word verification from the graphic you see toward the bottom of the page. Read the terms and conditions and click the “I Accept. Create my Account” button.
8. Get a verification number through your mobile phone or through your email account. There are still some cases that require verification by phone. The GoogleTalk instant messaging program will send you the code via text message.
9. Click the link that reads, “If you’ve already had a code sent to you, click here.” Enter your mobile phone number and the code they sent you. Enter only the code if it was sent to your email. This establishes your Gmail account.

Tips & Warnings

• If a friend of yours has Gmail, he can send you an invitation. Simply open the email invite he sends you and follow the instructions.
• Use the Gmail Calendar feature to send yourself reminders about important events.
• You must have JavaScript and cookies enabled on your computer to run Gmail.
• Gmail’s Google Chat feature only works with Internet Explorer 6.0 or newer and Firefox 1.0 or newer. It does not work with Mac machines (but you can synch it with the iChat feature).