Gmail is a web-based email account in which emails are stored on the internet rather than on your computer. Internet email can be a flexible option as you can access emails from any device that has internet access – anywhere in the world.

In this guide, we’re going to show you how to get started with email by creating an account in Gmail.

Firstly you will need a computer, mobile phone or tablet with internet access.  If you are low on data why not connect to one of the City of Joburg’s free WiFi hotspots.

Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a Gmail account  

Step 1: Open up your internet browser and go to the Google home page.

Step 2: Click on Gmail at the top right corner of the page.

Step 3: You’ll now be in the ‘Sign in’ section. As you don’t have a Google account yet, you need to create one. Click Create an account.

Step 4: To set up your new account, Google needs some information about you –your name, birth date, gender and location. You will also need to choose a name for your new Gmail address. The ‘choose your username’ is the unique email address that you wish to use, which will be placed before ‘@gmail.com’.

Step 5: If the email username that you requested in is not available, you’ll get a message saying that somebody already has that username and will offer you some alternatives. You may have to do this a few times. Once you finalise your email address, it’s a good idea to make a note of it so that you never forget it.

Step 6: You’ll need to come up with a password so that you can log in securely to your account. Google may explain that you should try one with at least 8 characters long to be secure. Use letters and numbers to make the password more secure and difficult to guess. You’ll need to re-enter your password to confirm that it’s you choosing it and not a hacker.

For more information on how to create a password you’ll remember click here: http://digitalambassadors.org.za/a-password-youll-remember/

Step 7: Once you have selected your unique username and password you will need to ensure that the ‘I agree to the Google terms of service and Privacy Policy’ is ticked.

Step 8: You will also need to capture two random words at the bottom of the page as a security check.

Step 9: You would have now successfully created your Gmail account, and will be able to go straight to your inbox to get started.