Google Account Set Up

Google offers an astounding range of free web based services. Gmail, YouTube and Blogger are three of the better known free services. To take advantage of Google's products you must open a Google account. Once you have done that you will have access to literally hundreds or useful web based opportunities.

If you already have a Gmail account you do not have to set up a Google account. You already have one!

How to Set Up a Google Account

  1. Open your web browser and go to the Google home page: http://www.google.com
  2. After you arrive click on the Sign In link in the upper right corner of the Google home page.



  3. Next you will see a screen where you can select the option create a new Google account.
  4. Click on the Create an account now link as shown in the next image.



  5. Next the Create an Account screen will open as shown in the next image.
  6. Enter one of your email addresses and a password. The email address you enter must be a valid email address. Write down the email address and password you entered in a safe location.
  7. Be sure to bring your Google login email address and password to class.
  8. There are two pre-checked checkboxes named Stay signed in and Web History. If you do not want these options uncheck the boxes before proceeding.



  9. In the lower part of the signup screen you will see the Word Verification code as shown in the next image. This will be referred to in these instructions as the verification code or code. You must enter the verification code correctly in the text field located below the code.
  10. When done click on the I accept. Create my account button.
  11. If you do NOT enter the verification code correctly the screen will refresh with a new code for you to enter. You will also have to re-enter your password. You will see notes in red text indicating what went wrong and what needs to be re-entered. This can be totally annoying and can take several attempts to get it right however it is a good security feature that protects you.



  12. After successfully creating your Google account you will see the Account Creation Confirmation screen shown in the next image.


  13. After creating your Google account Google will send an email to the email address you used to set up your Google account. The email message will have a link in it you will need to click on to verify your new account.
  14. Check your email to see if a new message from Google has arrived. This may happen instantly, it may take a few minutes and can even take much longer depending on how busy the network is.
  15. In the body of the Google email message you will see a message similar to the message snippet below. Follow the instructions and click on the link in the email message.



  16. If the verification process was successful, the following Email Address Verified message will open in your web browser.
  17. Next, on the same screen click on the Sign in link and log in to your new Google account to verify that you can actually login. Never take it for granted that everything will work as it is supposed to.



  18. On the sign in screen shown in the next image enter the email address and password you used to set up your Google account.
  19. Click on the Sign in button.



  20. If you successfully log in you will see a screen similar to the next image. You will see your email address at the top of the page where username@yahoo.com is in the next image.



  21. That is all you need to do for now.
  22. Feel free to explore the diverse universe of products and services available from Google.
  23. To take a tour of what is available in the lower part of the Profile screen click on the More > link shown in the next image.



  24. Next you will see an extensive list of Google Products. Click on any product link to learn more about it.

If you are taking a Vantage21st YouTube workshop please do not sign up for a YouTube account. We will do this in class.