Summary

Gmail is a new experience in Web-based e-mail programs. The entire philosophy behind Gmail is different with the idea of saving e-mail messages on the Gmail server indefinitely compared with other Web-based programs that appear happier when you store nothing on their servers. Gmail integrates with other Google technologies, such as the Google Calendar and Gtalk for chatting. You can even use Google’s Picasa to locate and share images located on your computer with others in e-mail.

If you’ve found that you really like using Gmail and want to share it with others, send them an invitation. You are given a small number of invitations to allow others to use Gmail. You can also sign up for an account using your cell phone. You can find the invitation system in the small box at the left of the screen. Type the e-mail address of your invitee and an invitation is sent. The remaining number of invitations allowed is displayed in this same box.

First, there was e-mail; then there was the Web; and soon after came Google and not long after that instant messaging. It only makes sense that all of these have come together to create Gmail.

Gmail integrates well with other Google applications such as Google Desktop. When you use Gmail with other Google applications it can easily form the heart of your Internet communications. Included in these communications should be Google’s chat program, Gtalk, which is covered in the next chapter.