What is Google Mail (GMAIL)?
Find out how you can communicate better with Gmail, a free webmail service from Google. |
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Do you still use Microsoft Outlook or Eudora for your emails, or maybe something else? If you do, you probably are not having the most productive and user friendly experience that you could be having.
Up until about a month ago I had been using Outlook entirely for my emails, then I trialed Gmail (Google’s Free Email service) for some time now along with using GOOGLE PLUS weeks and since getting to know Gmail, I have not turned back… there are just so many more features that make Outlook (and other similar email programs) seem just unworthy.
Although it may take a week or two to get used to Gmail, over the many years to come, it will literally save you weeks of your time. I highly recommend switching to Gmail and below I give 12 reasons why.
I’ve been using Google Mail since around 2004 when it was invite-only. After the first few emails, I was hooked. I killed my existing Hotmail, Yahoo! and other random accounts laying around. They simply provided few features, and demanded money for features that are basically standard in any mail client like Outlook. I email pretty frequently, so it is important that I have a feature rich service available to me anytime, anywhere.
So why Gmail? For starters, it’s really simple to import existing contacts into your system from your other accounts. Gmail also supports POP3 and IMAP- for free. This means that you can use any email client like Mozilla Thunderbird (also free) from any desktop and connect to your email. Last time I checked, Hotmail and Yahoo! both charged an annual fee to do this which is ridiculous. It isolates customers who don’t want to be tied to a web interface all the time. My storage cap at that time was like 250 MB, a ridiculously small amount. So it was no contest to switch to Gmail, who offer 6 GB to 8 GB per account, almost enough to last a lifetime (I have 7000 email conversations in my inbox).
Included with Gmail is Google Docs, Google’s online alternative to Microsoft Office. It is a lightweight application for basic word processing or spreadsheet creation. You can also share access with other Gmail clients (coworkers, friends, employees) by putting in their email address into the access list. They can then access the files and make revisions without ever having to connect to a server or downloading / uploading files, its all done from the web interface. And if that isn’t enough, Google Talk is embedded into the mailbox sections loaded with your contact list. If they also use Gmail, you can IM directly through Gmail instantly through the power of AJAX.
For those that are tech savvy like me and own an iPhone or iPod Touch, Gmail is supported fully either through Safari or the device’s Mail application- which to me is even more addictive than the Blackberry.
All of these reasons alone are enough to cut ties with other email services and sign up with Google.
12 Reasons To Switch To Gmail
- Gmail spam filters block 99% of the spam that usually makes it to your inbox. Although Outlook 2007 had a good spam filter, I still usually got around 2 or 3 emails a week sneaking into my inbox… not with Gmail.
- With Gmail you get to keep your old email account, and all incoming emails will be forwarded to your new Gmail account. Also, emails that you send from your new account will have your old email account in the from area.
- You can create Word docs, PDF’s and spread sheets with Gmail via the use of GoogleDocs.
- Gmail allows you to schedule events with the Google Calendar that will notify you by email to remind you of an appointment or meeting. It can also send a reminder to the person or persons that you will be meeting with.
- Gmail has something called ‘Stars’ and which allows you to tag emails you find important. You can actually do a search for ‘Starred‘ emails and they all pop up, and as quick as a normal Google search!
- Your emails are tabbed into a thread, which means you no longer have to look for old emails… it is more like a conversation window.
- You can archive old emails or whole conversations so that you can keep your Inbox clear.
- You can set up filters and labels to keep your Inbox organised and clutter free.
- It has a fast, easy search function which means you will never lose an email again. The search is as fast a normal Google search which is ace.
- All your emails are online which means that you access your emails from anywhere, not just one computer.
- Update: Forgot to mention how much space there is with Gmail… you will never have to delete an email again.
- Update: The ‘Canned Responses’ aka drafts feature is great. When you need to email something over and over, this function will save you a lot of time
I hope this gave you a better understanding of Google Mail and how it works?
REMEMBER - If you wish to know more about GOOGLE MAIL and how it interacts with Google Plus (+/+1) and how it can benefit you as an individual and a business owner/manager and grab additional free resources and bonuses then have a look at www.whatisgoogleplus.co.uk and claim yours now!
