Posts Tagged ‘Gmail’

Gmail’s Got a Brand New Look

Wednesday, November 2nd, 2011

For the three people out there who don’t use GMail, this might not be for you, but then again details of the new GMail layout might be enough to convince you that AOL, earthlink or hotmail accounts are really a thing of the past.

Nevermind the fact that Google’s GMail gives you nearly unlimited space, or the fact that you probably already have a Google login ID and password.  This new design and added functionality makes GMail even easier to use and gives you more of what you want, the ability to easily communicate with friends and colleagues.

(more…)

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

GMail Preview Pane Gets You One Step Closer to Outlook

Friday, August 5th, 2011

For years, Outlook has been the defacto standard at offices and, as a result, many of us have become comfortable navigating our emails with features like folders, flags and preview panes.  At the same time, millions upon millions of users have shifted to GMail for their personal email.  This meant learning and using two different email programs simultaneously and a bit of frustration for those who wanted the functionality of Outlook in their GMail.  Some of that frustration may have been eased yesterday, when the official GMail blog rolled out a new feature for GMail lovers… the Preview Pane.

Preview Pane, available as an add-on feature from Gmail Labs, should probably be a standard choice for GMail users, but adding it to your account is super easy and JumpstartMyPC has the step-by-step for anyone interested in enabling this new feature.

(more…)

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments »

Convert Your Gmail Ad Space to a Contact Info Sidebar

Thursday, March 11th, 2010

Every once in a while, I stumble onto a product that just makes life easier.  Rapportive, defined as a social CRM tool for Gmail, is the most recent add-on to find it’s way onto my PC.  Rapportive (available for Firefox and Chrome users) replaces the advertising space in individual emails with up-to-date social networking contact information on the people you correspond with.

My first thought was “this looks like XOBNI for Gmail” and, according to the comments and feedback I have read on this product, I am not alone. XOBNI is another fantastic tool, but unfortunately is only available for Outlook users, and a product that I have missed terribly since switching from Outlook to Gmail.  Both of these products make it very easy to see what social networking services your friends, family and even customers are using.

Once installed, the social networking information on the person/company that emailed you appears out to the right of an open email.  Icons (with links) are provided for services like Twitter, LinkedIn, Flickr, MySpace, Facebook, etc.  Simply click on any of these to open the profile page of that individual in a new tab.  Below the links you will find a comment area that you can use for keeping track of customers, but I am sure individuals will find some other creative and unique ideas for this space.

(more…)

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Firefox, Social Networking | 2 Comments »

Google Buzz – A Look at the Lite Side of Social Networking

Thursday, March 4th, 2010

Social Networking is the heart of the internet right now.  Scratch that, social networking is much, much bigger.  Terms like Facebook, Twitter, share, social, follow, fan, etc. are hurled at us, at the speed of light, both online and offline.  Every individual and company (including JumpstartMyPC.com) is trying to figure out the “best” way to share information with fans, friends and family.  And now, Google has stepped up to the plate with their offering… Google Buzz.

I realize that many of you have already been exposed to Google Buzz, or at least heard the name, and that this article might seem a little untimely.  After all, Google Buzz was released about a month ago (February 9, 2010).  The reason I waited to comment on Google Buzz was two-fold: 1) The initial reaction to Google Buzz was panic! (early issues with privacy) and 2) I wasn’t sure if I would even use Buzz for personal and/or business updates.  Why would I review or recommend a product for the JumpstartMyPC.com audience if it (Buzz) wasn’t a useful tool that would help you get more out of your PC?  Well, I finally spent some time with this new application and I think I’ve wrapped my mind around it.

(more…)

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Free Programs, Social Networking | 4 Comments »

Real Mobile Syncing – Take Your Address Book and Searches Everywhere

Thursday, October 1st, 2009

Google has no doubt done some amazing things in the past decade.  I still remember making the switch to their search engine and wondering why I ever started at yahoo.com.  Wow!  Look at all the white space and nothing but that little search box and logo in the middle.  At the time, that was cutting edge and Google has managed to surprise me time and time again with their creative and different approaches to daily life and the internet.  Best of all, almost everything they release is FREE.

I did pay for one Google product and that was the G1 (Google Phone).  I was amazed at how simple it was to sync my contacts from Gmail with my address book on my phone.   The process took all of 10 seconds and I was up and running.  I had two thoughts immediately:

  1. WOW!!  What a cool thing to have on my phone.
  2. That really stinks for everyone else! (non-G1 owners)

(more…)

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Free Programs, Tips and Tricks | No Comments »