Innehållsförteckning för Issue 1 från Google Workspace The Complete Manual

BDM’s Complete Manual Series GoogleOnline & Apps The world's most popular apps are not only completely free but it is very likely that you have been using one or more of them for years now, without really thinking about it. From Gmail to Trends, Google have been continually expanding their app suite with must-have tools. Did you know that you can also use Google to explore the earth, build yourself a blog, or plan your week? Google is about much more than search and this guide is here to help you discover just what you can do with these free, browser-based tools, products and services. Learn how to manage and share your images with Photos, discover the best way to configure your Gmail email account, find and download apps, music,…

Get Started with Google Protecting Your Privacy on Google Online privacy is an extremely important issue when it comes to using your Google apps. Google has included a comprehensive privacy tool to help you take control of, and monitor, how the company uses your information. This guide will reinforce your privacy rules when using Google. Step 1 Start by opening your main Google Accounts page, this can be accessed by entering https://myaccount.google.com into a browser. From the main account home page, you’re able to check on the current levels of privacy, your information and security. Step 2 The Take the Privacy Check-Up box, located in the lower right of the four available boxes, is a good place to start. Simply click on the Get Started link, at the bottom of…

Get Started with Google How to Create Google Alerts How to Create Google Alerts You can use Google Alerts to monitor anything on the web and then have links to any matching content sent directly to your email address each day, or when new content is available. Setting Up Alerts Step 1 To get started setting up an alert, navigate to www.google.co.uk/alerts. Enter your query just as if you were doing a normal Google search. You can use the various Google search options, including quotes, minus sign, to exclude words and the site prefix to find specific types of website. Step 2 Using the Show options menu, you can choose to tell Google to only provide content of a specific type (videos, for example) or you can request that every…

Get Started with Google Customising the Chrome Browser There are many different ways you can customise your Chrome experience, from adding extensions to setting the default home page. If you really want to make Chrome personal to you, there is no better way than adding a theme. Changing the Theme Step 1 Open Chrome on your computer and click on the Chrome Menu button in the top right corner. Look for the Chrome options link, click this and select Settings and this window will open. Step 2 From the Settings screen click on Themes from the Appearance options. This will take you to the Chrome Web Store, which shows web apps and extensions. To view the available themes, scroll down to the left-hand menu and click the Themes link. A…

Get Started with Google How to Use Chrome Plug-ins How to Use Chrome Plug-ins Plug-ins are essential pieces of software that help the browser to read and display certain types of content. Unlike extensions, which add extra features to Chrome, plug-ins are essential to the smooth running of the browser. Here’s how to check, install, block and disable plug-ins for Chrome. Installing Plug-ins Step 1 Assuming that you allow websites to use plug-ins, if Google Chrome detects that you’re missing a particular plug-in for a page you are trying to view, you will see a prompt to install the plug-in at the top of the web page. Step 2 Click Install plug-in in the message dialog. Some plug-ins begin the installation process by downloading a setup file to your computer.…

Using Google Apps Get Started with Gmail Get Started with Gmail Gmail is an integral element of the Google app suite, an email platform that works seamlessly on whichever OS you use, quickly becoming a key part of your daily routine. 1 Mailboxes These links let you display the messages in those mailboxes. A number next to any mailbox shows the amount of unread messages, rather than the total amount in the mailbox. 2 Labels Labels allow you to categorise your messages into various preset or custom folders. You can save messages under more than one label for better cross-referencing. 3 Chat Controls This section shows a list of your available Chat contacts, as well as containing the various chat controls: Add Contact, Status Update, etc. You can read more…

Using Google Apps Instant Chat in Gmail Instant Chat in Gmail You can add and chat to anyone on the Google network as long as they are using Gmail, iGoogle, Google Talk, Google+ or a third-party client. You can find the Google Chat controls on the left side of the Gmail window. Using Chat in Gmail Step 1 Before you can chat with someone, you need to invite them and they will need to accept the invitation. The people you invite will see the invitation above their chat list asking if they’d like to be able to chat with you. Step 2 Press the + icon, then in the search box at the top of this menu, type your friend’s username. If they’re already in your Contacts, Gmail will prepopulate…

Using Google AppsSchedule Your Gmail Messages Schedule Your Gmail Messages With an additional bit of software, Gmail can be set up to send specific emails at scheduled times. This is particularly useful if you are sending emails to recipients in different time zones. Step 1 The first thing you need to do is download and install the Boomerang software for Gmail. Open your Chrome browser and search for “Boomerang for gmail” or point your browser to www.boomeranggmail.com. In addition to letting you schedule emails, Boomerang offers several other features that we will look at here. Step 2 With Boomerang installed you will see a new Send Later button with a Boomerang icon. You can now write an email when it’s convenient, then schedule it to send automatically. Just write the…

Using Google Apps Get Started with Google Maps Get Started with Google Maps Google Maps is a great service that you view in your web browser or via the app. Depending on your location, you can view basic or custom maps and local business information, and that’s just the start. Here’s how to get started using Google Maps. 1 Search Maps You can search for places (towns, cities, addresses) and businesses using the search box at the top of the page. Search for a location and the view will switch to show that location. Search for businesses and the view will remain the same but red dots will appear to show individual businesses. If you search for “railway stations Devon” the map will zoom to the location (Devon) and show…

Using Google Apps Share and Embed Maps Share and Embed Maps Google Maps is a great tool when used on a phone or tablet for navigating and planning a route in advance. Not only can you use this great tool yourself, you can also share maps with others and even embed them on a website to give your customers directions. Step 1 Before you share a map, you need to zoom and scroll until the area you want to share is centred on the window. Only the visible portion is shared. You can also choose to share the map in Map view or Earth view. Step 2 If you have saved favourites on a map, only you will see them. Equally, if you embed the map and view it on…

Using Google Apps Explore with Google Earth Explore with Google Earth Google Earth lets you explore the world from the comfort of your own home. Featuring high quality satellite imagery, as well as incredible 3D rendered models, Google Earth lets you take a trip to a faraway place, stroll through a 3D forest and even travel back in time. Step 1 If you have not already installed the Google Earth app on your device, you will need to do this before you can begin. From the Google Earth webpage, click on the Learn more link in the bottom left corner of the screen and click on the Earth Pro link to start the download. Step 2 Click on the links to install the app. When installation is complete, you will…

Using Google Apps Getting Started with Photos Getting Started with Photos If you have never used Photos before, you may be surprised to discover just how useful this free tool is. It not only lets you create slideshows of your favourite images and share images with your friends and family, it also allows you to edit your images. By making Photos the central hub for your photography those memories will be safe. Uploading to Photos Step 1 Open the Photos app via the App icon and the drop down menu accessed from it. The first thing you will need to do with Photos is upload your images and videos into it. Unlike its predecessor Google’s Picasa, Photos doesn’t search your computer for compatible files thus you will need to organise…

Using Google Apps Using Your Photo Albums Using Your Photo Albums Google Photos Albums is an easy way to store your photos online and then share them as and when you choose. Google provides free storage that makes sharing your photos quick and easy. Adding Photos to Web Albums Adding photos that you have on your computer to your Web Albums is easy using the Google Photos software. Step 1 Open the Photos app and search through your photo folders to find the images you want. Each file acts as an individual but you can create new albums containing a mix of files if you wish. Step 2 To create a new album folder, click on the tick icon on the files you want to add to the folder. Now…

Using Google Apps Uploading Videos to YouTube Uploading Videos to YouTube It may sometimes seem like the whole world is uploading videos to YouTube, from the random ramblings of retro gamers to budding musicians. If you want to add your own voice to the varied world of YouTube, here’s how to get started. Step 1 Sign in to your YouTube account if you haven’t already done so. At the top right of the screen, wherever you are in YouTube, you will see an Upload arrow button. Click this to get started. Step 2 Click anywhere in the upload window on the next screen to start browsing for your videos. Alternatively, you can drag videos onto the browser window from any open folder on your computer. Step 3 Once you have…

Using Google Apps Set Up and Use Google Docs Set Up and Use Google Docs Google Docs is a free, web-based office suite. Using this software you can create text documents, spreadsheets, complex forms and even presentations. Everything you create is stored via your Google Drive account. Here’s how to make the most of Google Docs. Creating New Documents Step 1 There are several different ways of getting started with Google Docs. You can create a new online document, you can upload an existing document to edit or you can use a template from the templates gallery. Let’s start with a new Google doc. Step 2 To create a new document, go to your Drive, click the downward pointing arrow and select Google Docs from the menu, then pick either…

Using Google Apps How to Use Google Slides How to Use Google Slides Google Slides is an online presentation app that allows you to show off your work in a visual way. There are different ways of getting started using Google Slides: you can create a new online presentation, you can upload an existing one or you can use a template from the gallery. Creating a Presentation Step 1 Just like creating any new document in Google Docs, to create a new presentation go to your Documents List, click the NEW button and select Google Slides from the drop-down menu. Step 2 When you give your document a name and start typing, Google Docs will automatically save your work. Auto-save will continue to save at intervals whenever the document is…

Using Google Apps Set Up and Use Google Keep Set Up and Use Google Keep The Google Keep software allows you to easily create memos, notes and to-do lists on your computer and on your iOS or Android smartphone and then automatically sync them between the devices. Here’s how to access, set up and create new notes in Google Keep. Setting Up and Using Google Keep Google Keep is a great little app that enables you to create unique to-do lists that can be stored across various hardware platforms. So you can Google Keep your reminders safe! Step 1 Keep is part of Google drive when viewed on your computer, although there seems to be no simple Go to Keep button on the Drive main screen. Download the app for…

Using Google Apps Create a Blog with Blogger Create a Blog with Blogger Blogger is a great way to start blogging, as it is simple yet powerful and allows you to get up and running easily without having to purchase a dedicated domain. If you are new to blogging, and want to dip your toe in without taking the plunge, Blogger is the way to do it. Get Started with Blogger The first thing to do is open www.blogger.com in your browser and sign in using your Google account username and password. Step 1 The main Blogger screen is fairly simple; until you create your first blog, barely anything is shown here. You will see a couple of buttons and some news from Blogger Buzz, the official Blogger blog. To…

Google Hardware Guides Play Music on Google Home Play Music on Google Home Listening to the music you want on Google Home requires you to set up the music services it uses. To do this you need to know how to ask the speaker to play, stop, pause, shuffle and skip the music you want! Let’s take a look at just how you listen to music on Google Home. Choosing Music Services You can connect your speaker to a great variety of different music services, from Google Play Music to Spotify and Deezer, which will give you access to millions of songs. Step 1 You will have been asked to choose a music service during the setup of the Google home speaker, but if you skipped this step, or want…

Google Hardware Guides Google Home Tips and Tricks Google Home Tips and Tricks Your Google Home speaker is great for playing music or listening to the news, but it also allows you to do so much more! From getting general info, reading a recipe and finding your phone, to playing a game or telling you a joke, there are literally 100’s of things it can do; here’s 10 of the best. Listen to Audio Your Google Home allows you to listen to music, news, podcasts, radio stations, audio books and more. You can also tell it to play ambient sounds in the background. Just say, “Hey Google, help me relax,” or “Hey Google, play forest/nature/ocean sounds.” You can even make it play white noise Plan Your Day Start your day…

Google Hardware Guides How to Use Google Chromecast How to Use Google Chromecast Streaming from the YouTube app can be extremely easy, even if you don’t have a Smart TV. Chromecast is a thumb sized media streaming device that plugs into the HDMI port on your TV. Set it up with a simple mobile app, then send your favourite online shows, movies, music and more to your TV using your smartphone, tablet or laptop. However, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t more advanced tips and tricks you can use when setting up your Google Chromecast correctly. Set Up Chromecast Hardware Before you can begin to cast content from your device to your TV or other large screen device, you will need to get the Chromecast hardware connected and set up…

Get Started with Google Google Account Set Up Google Account Set Up In the past, using several different Google apps would have meant having several different usernames and passwords. Thankfully, Google took steps to merge all of these different accounts into one main Google account. This means that you only have to remember one username and password to access almost any Google product, plus it is much easier to share information, images and other data between your devices. Use Across Devices One of the regular questions we receive regarding Google’s applications is: “Can I use my Google account sign in details on both my smartphone and my computer? Thankfully, the answer to that question is yes, follow the information below to set up your Google Account details and then you…

Get Started with Google Improving Your Google Searches Google has the ability to search through billions of pages to supply you with the most relevant results for any search you desire. Google has different versions for different countries and, while they all work in basically the same way, by using the version for your home country you can be sure of both local and international results. Google Search Searching with Google is easy! You simply enter your search term, e.g. “cupcake recipes”, on the Google page for your country and click the search button. Google will then display the results of the search in order of relevance. There are, however, several ways to refine and target your search for even better results. Understanding Google Search Results When you perform a…

Get Started with Google How to Personalise Google Trends How to Personalise Google Trends The Google Trends app brings you the world’s most popular search terms or topics. Breaking down the results by country and region, while also offering insights and keeping you updated to the latest trends. Users can also browse history data giving you a clearer view of the world’s online habits. Step 1 Navigate to the Google trends website trends.google.com to be presented with this home page. This is a far complex application so be advised to take a few moments to get used to the layout and the control options you will find here. Step 2 Scrolling down through the home page you will find the various options including latest stories, insights and updates, historical data…

Get Started with Google How to Save and Sync Chrome How to Save and Sync Chrome If you use Google Chrome on any device other than just your computer, the ability to sync the browser is a great feature. Chrome lets you save bookmarks, preferences, themes and even extensions and then share those changes with all your mobile devices quickly and easily. Signing in to Chrome Before you can sync your Chrome settings, you will need to sign in using a common Google account. Step 1 Open Chrome on your computer and click on the Chrome User button in the top right corner. Now follow the on-screen instructions and sign into your account. Click this and a new window will open. Step 2 You will now need to sign in…

Get Started with Google Setting Up Chrome Autofill Setting Up Chrome Autofill Some of the most useful features of Chrome, like Chrome Autofill, are easy to set up and can make browsing the Internet a much quicker experience, particularly if you find yourself forever filling out online forms. Step 1 The first time you fill out a form, Google Chrome automatically saves the contact information that you enter, like your name, address, phone number or email address, as an Autofill entry. You can store multiple addresses as separate entries. Step 2 Chrome can also save your credit card information, with your permission. When you do this on a form, Chrome asks you at the top of the page whether you’d like to save the information. Step 3 If your Chrome…

Using Google Apps How to Customise Gmail How to Customise Gmail Gmail works brilliantly straight out of the box. There are, however, several things you can do to Gmail to make it suit your personal preferences more closely, from adding a theme to customising the layout of the inbox. Apply a Theme OK, so this isn’t going to make Gmail work any better, run any faster or deliver emails in a different way but it does brighten things up a bit and makes Gmail more personal to you. Step 1 Sign in to Gmail on your computer and open the main inbox. In the top right corner of the page you will see the Settings icon (the gear icon). Click this and select Themes from the listings displayed on this…

Using Google AppsHow to Use Gmail Conversations How to Use Gmail Conversations Gmail groups all replies with their original message, creating a single conversation or thread. In Gmail, replies to emails (and replies to those replies) are displayed in one place. Here’s how to use Gmail conversations to their best advantage. Step 1 When you open one message in a conversation, all of your related messages are stacked neatly on top of each other, called Conversation View. In Conversation View, each new message is stacked on top of the ones that arrived before it, so that the newest message is always the one you see first. Step 2 To see all the messages in a conversation, just click the Expand all button. A conversation will break off into a new…

Using Google Apps Gmail User Tips and Tricks Gmail User Tips and Tricks You can be up and running with the basic Gmail in seconds, or you can spend ages customising it and getting it set up in several different ways. Even if you have been using Gmail for a while, there are probably dozens of tricks that you never even knew were possible. Add Stars to Messages You can mark a conversation or message that appears next to the item in your inbox with a star. Stars can be an eye catching way to mark a special message or even a great visual reminder to follow up on an item later. Stars will only appear to you and not to anyone else, so you won’t offend your friends by…

Using Google Apps Planning a Route with Maps Planning a Route with Maps Google Maps features a very powerful, and normally very accurate, route planner. You can plan a route by car, on foot or even using public transport. If you save your route to My Maps, you can easily access it again on your mobile device. Step 1 Click on the Apps icon at the top right of the Google Search home page and select Maps. The map, normally zoomed out on the country you live in, will be shown on the page and a search box, which will act as your navigation hub. Note: If you aren’t signed in to your Google account, do so now. Step 2 Click on the blue arrow on the search box. Two…

Using Google Apps Explore Deeper with Maps Explore Deeper with Maps From adding more detail to maps to making it more intuitive to find local businesses, some updates may not be immediately noticeable. However, if you know where to look, a host of new features are there to be used. Here we take a look at using these extra options. Step 1 Open Google Maps on your desktop. The map should be centred on the country you live in, even if you have not shared location information with Google. Photo tours can be found using the satellite imagery (Earth view). Step 2 Having entered your search criteria, if photo tours of a location are available, they will be displayed as a series of photo thumbnail images on the pop up…

Using Google Apps How to Use Google Translate How to Use Google Translate With the Earth in the palm of your hand or at the end of your keyboard, there are no limits to how far you can explore without barriers. Yet if you have been inspired to open up your world on the other side of your screen, there is one barrier that could limit your travels, that of language. Setting Up Translate Google Translate is far more than just a basic translate tool. You can use this in several different ways. Step 1 Unlike Google Earth or Maps, the Translate app is far less graphically intense but its lack of visual gloss is replaced with a very powerful tool that can prove as essential, so let’s take a…

Using Google Apps Using Photo Collages and Animations Using Photo Collages and Animations One of the great features included with Photos is the ability to make collages and animations of your files, either for yourself or to be shared with your friends and family. Step 1 Starting with a collage, the first task is to select your photos. You can select a single folder by clicking on it in the folder panel or you can select numerous images by clicking on the tick icon on the top left corner of each of the images you want. Step 2 Once all the images you want are selected, click the + icon located in the top right of the preview window. A new menu will open; from the options you are given,…

Using Google Apps Get Started with YouTube Get Started with YouTube YouTube provides a forum for people to connect, inform and inspire others across the globe and acts as a distribution platform for original content creators. More than 1 billion unique users visit YouTube each month so don’t miss out. 1 Search You can search YouTube just as you would search on Google and as you type your search term, suggestions will appear below the search box. Previously searched terms that are similar will show at the top of the suggestions box. Search results are displayed in order of relevance. 2 Upload Controls This drop-down menu contains a direct link to the upload screen as well as links to your uploads dashboard; here you can see all of the content…

Using Google Apps How to Use Google Drive How to Use Google Drive Google Drive is a free storage service which allows you to store images, folders and documents in the Cloud. These files and documents can then be accessed from any tablet, phone or computer via the Google Drive software. Not only is this a great way to free up space on your devices, it also lets you access your files from almost anywhere. 1 Search You can search Google Drive in the same way that you can search Gmail or one of the other Google products. 2 New Click the New button to open a new document, spreadsheet, presentation, form or drawing. 3 Folders Your preset Google Drive folders are shown here, along with any that you have…

Using Google Apps How to Use Google Sheets How to Use Google Sheets With Google Sheets you can create spreadsheets online, work on them with others in real-time and then store them online in Google Drive. Google Sheets, for most users, is more than capable of replacing the corresponding software in something like Microsoft Office. Create and Save Spreadsheets Step 1 There are different ways of getting started with Google Sheets. You can create a new spreadsheet, upload an existing spreadsheet from a computer or use a template from the templates gallery, to create a spreadsheet with a specific purpose. Step 2 To create a new spreadsheet, go to your Google Drive, click the NEW button and select Google Sheet from the drop-down menu. Once you name the spreadsheet or…

Using Google Apps Use Templates and Forms Use Templates and Forms If there is a specific type of document you want to create in Google Docs, Sheets, Slides or Forms, check the template gallery to see if there is one available. The template gallery includes hundreds of pre-made documents, from a simple CV to multi-page company presentations. We also look at the Google Forms app and see how it can be used. Browse the Template Gallery Step 1 Open Google Drive and click on the NEW button on the left of the window. Select Document, Presentation, Spreadsheet or Form from the drop-down menu (depending on what type of document you want to create). Step 2 From within one of these document types, click File > New > From Template. This…

Using Google Apps How to Use Google Pay How to Use Google Pay Now you can pay with it, too. Just add your credit, debit, loyalty, and gift cards to Google Pay, and start shopping in stores, in apps, and online. Google Pay can be used at shops around the world, wherever contactless payments are accepted. Setting Up Google Pay Google Pay is a secure system, but as with anything to do with money and payments, it is important to make sure that you set everything up properly. Step 1 You will need to make sure that you have your credit/debit card or cards close at hand, and have all the details available (account numbers, sort codes, security numbers, etc.) You will also need to download the Google Pay app…

Google Hardware Guides The Google Home Collection The Google Home Collection There are now six different Google Home devices to choose from, including the tiny Home Mini and the new Google Home Hub. The specification and size varies greatly, so if you are not yet sure which Home speaker is best for you, check out all of the details here. Google Home Max Key Features: Meet Google Home Max, he helps you to hear every note as the artist intended and feel every beat with heart pounding bass. It’s the ultimate speaker, made for your music. The advanced hardware delivers deep bass and crisp treble in stunning stereo sound. It analyses, tunes and updates itself automatically, so all you need to do is listen. The far-field voice control allows Max…

Google Hardware Guides Using Google Home Routines Using Google Home Routines Routines are a set of actions that your Google Home can perform when activated by a single voice command. You can customise existing preset routines in the Google Home app, or you can create your own routines from scratch, using a wide variety of available actions. Create and Manage Routines Learn how to customise, create and use Routines with your Google Home speaker and the Google Home app. Step 1 Your Google Home app comes with several pre-set routines. To view or edit these, tap the Menu button at the top left, and select “More settings”. Scroll down and tap the “Routines” section. Here you will see displayed all of the existing routines, for example “Good morning” or “Bedtime”.…

Google Hardware Guides The Google Pixel Hardware The Google Pixel Hardware The Pixel range from Google brings a lot of nice features to the world of smartphones and tablets. There is also the bonus of getting to use the very latest version of Android as soon as it is released, in the way it was designed to be seen and used. Google Pixel 3 Key Features: Capture the perfect shot every time, get things done with the Google Assistant, enjoy an all-day battery and more. Pixel 3 comes with a battery that charges fast and can last up to all day. It’s even smart enough to shut down the apps that you don’t use to keep you going for longer. Get everyone in the picture with Group Selfies - no…

Google Hardware Guides All About Google Stadia All About Google Stadia With their Stadia project, Google hopes to revolutionise how we play games in the home and on the move. Their vision for the future is one where it is possible to play games on virtually any hardware without the need for expensive consoles or high-end desktops. Let’s take a look at the hardware and explain how it works. Stadia Speed Test Before you begin your Stadia set-up, you need to ensure that your Internet connection is fast enough. Google has provided an online tool to do just that. Step 1 Open a web browser, preferably on the device with which you intend to use Stadia, and enter the following URL: projectstream.google.com Before you start testing your Wi-Fi speed you…

Get Started with Google Improving Your Google Security Keeping yourself and your family safe whilst using your Google apps is just as important as it is when you are sharing your details and your files online. That said it doesn’t need to be difficult. While using the Internet and social networks can have its problems, you can reduce them to a minimal level by following a few simple pieces of advice. Online Passwords If you are anything like us, the number of passwords that you need to remember grows on an almost daily basis and because of this, it can be tempting to use the same or similar passwords for several different websites. This is a bad idea, particularly if your chosen password is something easy to guess such as…

Get Started with Google Using Specialised Google Search There are several specialised search tools, letting you cut through all the unwanted information and just see results from, for example, blogs, shopping sites or scholarly papers. You can access these search pages at any time from the Chrome browser or Google Home page. Shopping Search This feature allows you to search only shopping results for any term you enter into the search box on Google. Step 1 You can open the Shopping search screen by typing www.google.co.uk/shopping into your browser address field. Your browser should automatically detect your location and filter any results to your own currency. Step 2 You will see that the shopping search screen is very different from a standard Google search screen, with products shown in sections…

Get Started with Google Getting Started with Chrome Google Chrome is much more than an alternative web browser. If you are looking to use the Google app suite to any degree we strongly advise you to download Chrome now! 1 Tabs Just like almost all other browsers, Chrome lets you open multiple web pages at once and display them in tabs. Simply click on any tab to display the page. To add a new tab, click on the small tab to the right of the last one. To remove a tab, click the small X on the right of the tab you want to close. You can also manage tabs from the Chrome options menu. 2 Navigation Controls From left to right, the main buttons you use when navigating web…

Get Started with Google Using the Chrome Web Store Using the Chrome Web Store The Chrome Web Store gives you the option of adding thousands of different themes and extensions to your browser. Here’s how to get started with apps and extensions on Chrome. Chrome Themes Chrome Extensions are web-based programmes that are designed to be used entirely within the browser. Using apps, you can do things like create documents, edit photos and listen to music, without having to install complicated third-party software on your computer. Themes on the other hand are purely aesthetic as they change the look of the Chrome browser and do not add any further functionality. Think of Themes as a way of injecting a little extra bit of your personality into your web browser. Step…

Get Started with Google Chrome Tips and Tricks Chrome Tips and Tricks Even if you have been using Chrome for a while, there are probably dozens of tricks that you never even knew were possible. Here are a few tips and tricks to get you started. Chrome-Casting Your Screen Have you ever been browsing online and stumbled upon a video, or photograph, that you want to share with those around you on the big screen of your family TV? With the additional purchase of a Google Chromecast you will be able to do just that, by casting content from your Chrome browser, on your desktop or mobile devices, to your TV. The quickest way to do this, on your desktop device, is by right-clicking on the Chrome window and then…

Using Google Apps Dealing with Gmail Spam Dealing with Gmail Spam If you find that spam emails are still getting through the built-in filters and being displayed with your other emails, you can do several things to improve detection and removal of these unwanted messages. Do I Need to Worry About Spam Emails? That’s a good question with a potentially very long answer, but in short, yes, spam email is best avoided. Junk or spam emails are unsolicited/requested messages sent in bulk by email. Email spam has steadily grown since the early 1990s and by 2014 were estimated to make up around 90% of email messages sent. Most spam email messages are commercial in nature and albeit harmless, they are annoying. However, some can also be dangerous because they may…

Using Google Apps Create Tasks from Gmail Create Tasks from Gmail One of the most useful planning tools Gmail includes is the ability to create tasks from any message you receive. This tutorial will show you how to use this little known feature of the Gmail application to its full potential. Step 1 Open Gmail on your computer and find the email you want to create the task from. Open the email or select it by checking the box next to it in the main inbox list. Both actions will bring up several new options along the top of the email pane. Step 2 Click the More button at the top and then click Add to Tasks. You can also use Shift-T. When you do this a tasks list panel…

Using Google Apps Improving the Google Calendar Improving the Google Calendar Google’s free online calendar app is perfect for keeping track of all the important events in your life. And if you use other Google products such as Android or Gmail, you can set things up so that everything integrates and syncs perfectly and with barely any effort. Creating Events There are three ways to create a new event on the desktop version of Google Calendar. Which method you use depends entirely on which you find easiest or most convenient. Click on the Date Open the Google Calendar screen and scroll to the date and time where you want to mark an event. If you need to look far ahead, click on the month view button at the top of…

Using Google Apps Using Google Street View Using Google Street View Street View is a feature of Google Maps that allows you to quickly and easily view and navigate high-resolution, 360-degree street level images of various cities around the world. With this guide you can learn the new ways to enter Street View. Step 1 To start using Street View, open the Google Maps page by clicking on the Maps link on the Google Search home page. Type the name of the street, town or city you want to start viewing in the search box at the top of the screen. Step 2 When the map has zoomed in to show the area you searched for, click and drag the little yellow man from the bottom of the map zoom…

Using Google Apps Google Maps Tips and Tricks Google Maps Tips and Tricks Google Maps and Google Earth are two of the most powerful and useful tools that Google has ever produced. If you have never done more than check out your house on Maps, here are a few tips and tricks that will help you to see the real possibilities of these tools. Turn-by-turn Navigation If you own an Android smartphone, you won’t need an extra GPS device for your cross country excursions. Map your road trip and get handsfree, turn-by-turn GPS navigation, complete with voice guidance. You can even get live traffic reports, letting you see current traffic conditions before you set off and while you’re on the go. Get estimated travel times and even find alternative routes…

Using Google Apps How to Use Google Flights Google have apps for navigating the world around you, and Google Flights is the next logical addition to their app portfolio, giving you quick access to explore the world for real. With this app you can find and book flights for you and your family, making the world more accessible. Step 1 Navigate to the Google Flights website google.com/flights to be presented with this home page. It is advised that you allow Google to track your location so you will be automatically linked to your nearest airport, based on distance. Step 2 Just above the main search bar, you will notice you have three options which are very important to ensure your search results match your requirements. Your options are type of…

Using Google Apps Editing Images Using Photos Editing Images Using Photos Google Photos not only provides you with storage for your photos and videos in one place, it can also be used to edit your picture. Photos editor is not a fully-featured image editing program but it includes enough to make the most of your photos. It’s also free! Quick Fixes As stated Google Photo editing isn’t a fully optimised and functional Photoshop alternative but with that said, there are more than enough options for you to clean up or enhance your digital photography, with only the most basic understanding of photo-editing. Photos offers simple tools, designed to help fix common problems with a few clicks as follows. Light and Colour Fixes These controls let you change the lighting or…

Using Google Apps Using the YouTube App Using the YouTube App The YouTube app gives you access to great videos and shows on all sorts of subjects. It is the gateway to a huge and always expanding world of entertainment. Follow this guide and enjoy YouTube, wherever you are. Step 1 Log in by tapping the Silhouette icon (top right corner). If you don’t, you can set one up (tap Sign In then Add Account). It’s a good idea to use YouTube while logged in, as this allows videos you might like to be offered as viewing suggestions. Step 2 You can search for a subject or channel using the Magnifying glass icon. You’re then presented with a list of relevant videos, showing how many views they’ve had, their length…

Using Google Apps Restore Deleted Drive Files Restore Deleted Drive Files Deleting files from Drive is a very quick process but a file you remove might not always be gone forever. You have the chance to restore deleted files before they are deleted permanently. Here is how you restore, remove and permanently delete files in Google Drive. Restoring Incorrectly Deleted Documents Step 1 If you decide that you don’t want to delete a file or folder that you’ve moved to the trash, you can restore it so that you can access it again. Once you restore a file, it will be recovered wherever you use Drive or Docs, Sheets and Slides. Step 2 At the moment, you can’t restore a file or folder from the Drive mobile apps or from…

Using Google Apps Set Up and Use Google Drawing Set Up and Use Google Drawing Google Drawing allows you to create, share and edit documents online and collaborate with others by inviting them to view your edits. You can even chat with others from within the app, in real-time, before you save or publish your drawings online as an image or in many other image formats. Create a New Drawing Step 1 To start creating drawings in Google Docs, go to your Docs list, click the NEW button and select Drawing from the More menu. Then, using the menu options and buttons in the toolbar, you can create flow charts, design diagrams and other drawings. Step 2 Click on the tools at the top of the screen to select them.…

Using Google Apps How to Use Google Cloud Print How to Use Google Cloud Print Google Cloud Print is smart technology that connects your printers to the web. Using Google Cloud Print, you can make your home and work printers available to you, from the apps you use every day. It works on your phone, tablet, PC and any other web-connected device you want to use. How to Connect with Cloud Ready Printers You can use Google Cloud Print with a cloud-ready printer (printers which can connect directly to the Internet and do not need a PC to work). There are still plenty that are not but we are concentrating on the cloud-ready type for this article. Step 1 The first thing you need to do, if you do not…

Using Google Apps Get Inside the Google Play Store Get Inside the Google Play Store The Google Play store is, for almost all of your entertainment needs, a one-stop shop. You can search for apps, books, songs, movies and magazines, any of which can be accessed on your Android smartphone or tablet and on your desktop. 1 Search You can search Google Play just as you would search on Google. When you type your search term, suggestions will appear below the search box. Previously searched terms that are similar will show at the top of the suggestions box. 2 The Google Play Home Screen This is the main retail hub of Google Play, it contains the latest releases by format and your personal recommendations for apps, books, movies and other…

Google Hardware Guides Google Home First Time Setup Google Home First Time Setup Setting up your Google Home device properly for the first time will make using it much easier, so take the time to get things right. You will need to have the speaker, an Android device, a Google account and a working Wi-Fi connection that both Android and Home devices can connect to. Setting Up Google Home All of the setup for your Google Home speaker is done through the Google Home app for Android. Use this app for future access and changes to the settings. Step 1 Plug in your Google Home device and wait for the audio cue to show it is ready to be set up. Make sure that the switch that controls the microphone…

Google Hardware Guides Play Music Using Bluetooth Play Music Using Bluetooth As well as being connected by Wi-Fi, your Google Home device can also be used as a Bluetooth speaker, playing music that is stored on your phone or tablet or even your laptop. You can also stream music from your Google Home device to a pair of Bluetooth headphones. Play Music on the Home Speaker Being able to play music stored on your phone or tablet through the Google Home speaker is a useful addition to its bag of tricks and opens up a host of new audio possibilities. Step 1 Open the Google Home app and tap the name of the device you want to connect with via Bluetooth. In the top right corner of the device info…

Google Hardware Guides Google Pixel Tips and Tricks Google Pixel Tips and Tricks Google has brought a lot of changes to the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL phones, including some fundamental ways you navigate and control your device. Let’s take a look at some of the main new features of these amazing devices, and how to make the most of them in your day-to-day use. Accessing Overview Overview allows you to quickly see and scroll through all of the apps you have been using and that are waiting in the background. To open the Overview, slide your finger upwards over the small pill-shaped button at the bottom on the screen. You can then scroll left and right through the open apps, and even access the settings and search. Quickly…