Post date: Oct 04, 2010 9:6:17 PM
Creating a separate Gmail account for a major project can keep it separate from your personal email and information. If you're looking for name recognition, it's not the way to go. For privacy and keeping the project independent from other projects, it's a good idea!
There are some conditions on the "Desired User Name":
You may use ".", but not "_". No consecutive "." characters.
If you "Check Availability" too many times, you will need to wait a few minutes. The captcha doesn't seem to work. If you can't wait, fill in both captchas and click "I agree" at the end.
I tried "axus.dev", but it rejected that address. That email address doesn't exist, so there must be a block against ".dev" in names.
If you choose a password you don't have memorized, write it down.
I'd suggest your primary gmail address for your "Recovery Email". It's better not to be tied to an ISP email address, in case you change providers.
Next you will see your new gmail account, with email from the "Gmail Team". Click on "Settings" at the top right. Here are some non-standard settings I like:
General
Always use https
Only show pictures that I've chosen for my contacts
No signature
Use Unicode (UTF-8) encoding for outgoing messages
Labels
Click "hide" for: Buzz, Starred, Labels
Click "show" for: Chats
Forwarding and POP/IMAP
Disable POP
Chat
Only allow people that I've explicitly approved to chat with me and see when I'm online.
Sounds off
Web Clips
Uncheck "Show my web clips above the Inbox"
Labs
Google Calendar
Green Robot
Buzz
Uncheck all "People comment on..."
Do not show these lists on my public Google profile
Do not show Google Buzz in Gmail
After you save settings, go update your Google Account settings.
Personal Settings > Security > Change password recovery options
SMS: Add a phone number
Personal Settings > Multiple sign-in
On (Read and check each box explaining the complications)
Profile > Create a Profile
I had a lot of fun entering in places I've lived and other personal information. I didn't get more specific than town names, though :) Also, I set employer as the town I work in ;p