FAQs for Gmail
The Few First Steps
How can I make sure I am learning the newest version of Gmail?
If you go to mail.google.com (or click gmail in the waffle menu) and you don't see the oval compose button on the left side, you may need to try "The New HESD Mail" updated gmail look. Go to settings on the right, and choose the first option. It says "Try the new HESD Mail". Clever, huh?
For more info, check out this blog post.
How do I make Gmail my default mail application?
This is important to do one time so that if you are ever click an email link (like when you find contact info) you will be starting the email in your gmail account.
The short version is... look in the address bar at the top of the gmail window (mail.google.com or gmail in the waffle menu) and you will notice a strange diamond-ish icon on the right side. Click it.
You might need to see screenshots to get the idea. You should check out this blog post.
How do I get a Gmail icon on my desktop or in my task bar?
It is quite simple to add the Gmail icon to your desktop, then you can drag it down into your task bar. Just like you might be used to with Outlook!
Just go to the mail.google.com webpage, make sure you are signed it. Click the three-dot menu on the top right and choose More Tools. Add to Desktop is an option, and that will add the shortcut for you!
For more info, check out this blog post.
How do I create a signature for my email?
An email signature is so helpful to the person receiving your email! Click the settings wheel in the top right corner and scroll down a bit. You will see the signature section. Consider including your name, job title, and location, and a phone number if appropriate (teachers probably don't want to include an extension).
Want more information? Look at the top of this page and go to Gmail--- The Gmail Basics to learn more
Gmail Details
What is the difference between Delete and Archive?
Are they basically the same thing? Nope! Delete puts an email in the TRASH where it will be deleted in 30 days. Archive just gets it out of your inbox and sends it to all mail. This is to make your inbox and clean place to see what is most urgent.
But don't be fooled... there is no need to save every single email, and if all you do is archive, you will be storing things that don't need to be stored. Make friends with the cute little delete trash can.
Read more in this blog post.
How do I make a contact group so I can email all the people?
This is a little tricky. Contacts are separate from your gmail (probably because you can use your contacts to send email, yes, but also to chat or have video Google Hangouts) You will need to find Contacts in the waffle menu (or go to contacts.google.com) You essentially need to create a label with the group name (look on the left side menu) then tag each contact with that label. THEN, when you are in gmail and start to type that label, all the contacts with that label will populate in the recipient bar.
What is the Mute command for?
Ever been caught up in a "reply all" conversation that you don't need to read? Or started an email conversation to connect people and you would like to bow out of their continued collaboration? The mute button is for you!
(1) Click the box by the email you don't want to see anymore, and go to the (2) three dot menu. Choose (3) Mute, and the emails from the conversation will be sent to your All Mail label, instead of your inbox.
