Google--Google Classic Page

Sign up for a Gmail account and get access to many Google tools free! Switch between iGoogle (your personalized Google page) and Classic view or click Sign in to log in or create your account.

Images, Videos, Maps, News and Shopping tabs let you search only these types of web sites to narrow your search.

Free email account with a lot of storage space. This also gives you access to RSS readers, calendars, etc. Basic Search Tools in Google

Type a series of words--Google finds sites with as many of those words as possible Many more Google tools Type AND between words (or use +)--Google fins sites with both words in it are available under the Dassel AND Cokato +Dassel +Cokato more tab (Blogger, Google Type NOT between words (or use -)--Google fins sites with the first word but not Scholar, Alerts, etc.). second word in it. Dassel NOT Cokato Dassel -Cokato Put phrases in quotes--Searches for the words as a phrase “Dassel Cokato” Site:gov or Site:edu, etc.--Google will search only sites with this url extension iGoogle

Once you’ve signed up for a Google account, you have access to Gmail and an iGoogle page. This is a customizable page that lets you add gadgets that are meaningful to you. It also gives you access to advanced features once you’ve clicked on the Gmail tab, things like the RSS Reader, Google Calendar and Google Docs. Sign in or out.

Each area with a blue bar is a customizable gadget that you can add, remove or rearrange on Manage personal the page. account settings and password.

Add more gadgets or change your theme (page look) to something more Go to Gmail screen. colorful. These can always be removed or undone.

Gmail View

This view gives you new menu options and allows you to access deeper Google tools.

This toolbar gives you access to your Gmail, a Google Calendar, Google Documents (create and share), Picasa photo storage, Google Reader for RSS feeds, a Website builder, and more advanced Google tools like Blogger and Alerts.

Compose new mail.

Check mail inbox.

Manage Give emails labels your and store them drafts accordingly. This and helps to search old contacts email faster. It’s a lot list. like making folders

Search your mailbox.

Send and receive emails with attachments. Google Calendar Google Docs Google Reader (to track RSS feeds and Alerts)

Add a new subscription. This allows you to paste in an RSS address.

Google recommends other feeds based on the ones to which you currently subscribe.

RSS items show up in this main reader area.

Click on a subscription to view that list.

Add Google Reader gadget to Here you can your iGoogle front page. browse for new feeds to add. Blogger

You can create a free blog with Google’s Blogger. Either go to www.blogger.com or click on the “even more” button at the bottom Google’s “more” list. You can find other interesting Google toys there too.

Sign up to create a free blog with Blogger. This link will guide you through the steps.

Blogger

Once you’re signed up, you have a Blogger Dashboard which leads you to your editing choices. View or Edit Profile lets you view or define your basics profile settings. You can also add a profile photo here.

Click here to view your blog.

These choices let you work with your blog--add a new post, edit existing posts, change settings and layout.

Blogger

This simple editor lets you compose your blog posts, add images, etc.

Blogger--Layout View

This view lets you add gadgets or rearrange you blog elements.

Click to add gadgets.

Google Alerts

Sign up for Google alerts and track either in your email in-box or in your Google Reader.

www.google.com/alerts

Enter the topic for which you wish to receive alerts.

Choose the type of web content you wish to search each day (blogs, news, etc.).

Choose frequency of your updates.

Choose how you wish to receive your alerts--email or RSS feed (Google Reader).