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Friday, February 10, 2012

Creating Your Gmail Account

Screencast showing you the steps available here. You can click the box to the left of the screenr logo to view the video full screen.

Step 1
Type www.gmail.com into the URL window or what's called the Address Bar at the top of the screen. (If you're starting on the google.com main page you'll notice a link to Gmail at the top of the screen to the left.)

Step 2
Click the big "CREATE AN ACCOUNT" button on the lower right hand side of the screen.

Step 3
Complete your account information. The next step is it's a looong step... but you only have to do it once.

Fill in your first and last names.

Create a user name. This has to be something that isn't already in use. Try some combinations of your first and last names, initials, etc. Try putting a period between your first and last name (Bob.Smith). Another option is to add mcc to the beginning or end of your user name. Keep clicking "check availability" until you find a login name that works.
 
Next choose a password. This needs to be a word or combination of words and numbers that isn't obvious to others but that you can remember easily. ("Password" is a bad password. So is your name.) Try a favorite book or band name combined with your age or shoe size.

The security question allows Google to confirm it's you if you need to ask them to remind you of your password. Answer one of the questions provided or make up your own. Again, it needs to be something that is easily remembered.

The recovery email is kind of a backup email. If you have a second email address, fill in this box. If not, just leave it blank. Right now you could use your MCC email address.

Location should already say United States.  If not, scroll down to select the United States.

Fill in your birthdate.

Type the string of letters you see into the box. (This is a security check to prevent computer-generated spam.) If you can't read the letters, click the "try different words" link to get new words. If you have speakers or headphones, there's an audio link. It may take a time or two to get it right, but don't give up. If you keep having trouble, Google may require a verification code sent to your phone to make sure you're not a computer. Tip: If you don't get the letters right, you'll need to scroll back up and insert your password information again.

The Terms of Service is the usual legal mumbo jumbo about service and privacy issues. If you're happy with their terms, click "I accept. Create my account"

That's it! Congratulations, you now have an Gmail account! Now it's important for you to let other employees know your Gmail address and remember to check your account for messages from other MCC employees. Unlike the web-based GroupWise application, Gmail won't log you out after a specified time period.