Google Mail is a superb email service, packed with innovative tools to make it easier to write, send, receive and manage your emails. Here we reveal 15 tricks to help you get the most out of it.
1 Check for new messages
You can check your Google Mail account for new messages either by clicking the Refresh link direct above your Inbox or simply by pressing the U key (for 'update') on your keyboard.
2 Chat to a contact
If one of your contacts is online you can conduct a live conversation with them rather than sending an email. Hover your mouse over their name in the Quick Contacts list and click the 'Invite to chat' button.
3 Add a signature
You can create a signature containing contact information to attach to all your outgoing messages. Click on the Settings link in the top-right hand corner of your account page, then on the General tab select Signature, type in the relevant details and click Save Changes.
4 Send automatic replies
Also on the General tab of the Settings section, you can set up an automatic response to cover your Inbox while you're away. Select 'Vacation Responder on' and then type in your subject and message. You can also decide whether to send the auto-reply to anyone who emails you or only your contacts.
5 Receive new mail notification
If you want to receive alerts when new messages arrive, download the GMail Notifier. This displays an icon in your system tray to notify you of unread email, without you needing to open your web browser.
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