Putting the “Gee” in email, The_Unknown_Writer, CSA, Senior Systems Administrator Contact via Social Network Chances are you probably have an internet connection you can use somewhere around you. Do you ever browse the internet? Have you tried the net, but sometimes get lost looking for what you want to view or have previously viewed? Do you have an email account, but have to jump through hoops to use it? Do you participate in discussion groups online? Do you ever want to “chat” with friends online? Do you ever take pictures you want to share, but by the time you get together with the family can’t find them? Do you ever forget appointments or commitments? Well, if you answered yes to any of the above questions, then check out a new offering from Google. I call it “Geemail”. it is officially called GMail by Google. It’s easy to use, it’s useful, fun and a really important factor to consider, it’s free! Now that’s a big “GEE”! Google describes GMail as: “A free webmail service from Google with the idea that email can be simple, fast and clutter-free. Maybe even fun, just like our approach to search.” GMail really offers much more than just email. First, let me point out that I am receiving NO compensation from Google for this article, nor do I own Google stock. Darn! I have been using PCs, software, the internet and email for more than a decade and I am amazed at the value of this terrific freebie, so impressed that I have to share some details about it. Let me begin at the beginning. GMail, this is the name of Google’s free email offering. It has been an invitation only service for a few years while it was in beta testing, being first introduced in 2004. Beta testing means it was offered to and used by a select few end users to find and fix problems with the software before offering it to the general public. Well, the wraps are now officially off. This means you can sign up for a free account from the Google search page on the Internet. Want to create an account, just use the URL mail.google.com and voilà you’re on the sign up page. Read about some of the unique features of the GMail offering on this page such as less spam, uncluttered e-mail, e-mail search, and integrated Chat. Just click on the large create an account button and fill in the required fields. It’s that simple. You now have a GMail account. GMail offers a fast search to assist in easily finding any email. Less spam. Lots of Storage space. GMail organizes email and groups it into conversations. GMail built in chat also allows real time communication. There is a whole lot more though. You also have the ability to set up your own personalized homepage where you can preview you GMail, see news, weather, stocks and more. Get in tune with what’s up that interests you with a personalized homepage. The personalized home page is easy to configure and supports tabbed browsing. Your GMail account also includes a calendar that is easy to maintain, it even offers the ability to search and add public events right from the web. Your personal calendar can also be shared with other GMail users you invite. There’s more! You have access to Picassa from your account. Store and share pictures and Videos! You can also share Documents and spreadsheets online, make telephone calls to other GMail users as well as join or create discussion groups about subjects of interest to you. The list of services available continues to grow as does the functionality of the services offered. Give GMail a try and see if you’re not saying “Gee”.