How much do I love Gmail? Let me count the ways...

Like many people, my Gmail inbox sometimes feels overwhelming. Too many emails which are not of immediate importance, perhaps group emails that I have delivered in daily digest format, alerts from social networking sites such as Twitter and Google+, just to name a few. I often worry that while rushing to delete unnecessary emails that I am going to accidentally delete an email from a friend or work colleague.

Google has provide a way to reconfigure your email box to automatically sort your incoming email into separate tabs depending upon several categories:

You decide which categories you want to turn on, then your incoming email is automatically sorted into the appropriate category. Social media emails go into Social, business emails go into Promotions, email from individuals goes into Primary. Email list subscriptions go into Forums. A flag at the top of each tab will alert you when you have new messages in that category. Want to move a message from a tab into your Primary tab? Simply click on the Star next to the email and the message will be moved.

I'm hoping this new tool will increase my efficiency in sorting through incoming messages! If you're interested in turning the feature on, here are directions:
1. Click on the Gear icon

2. Select Configure Inbox

3. Decide which tabs you wish to utilize. Place a checkmark next to them, along with a checkmark next to Include starred in Primary. Click on SAVE.

Return to your inbox and preview how it looks. Don't like the tabs? No problem, return to the gear, Configure Inbox option and uncheck all the boxes, your email box will return to the previous one big list style.

Apple and Transitions

Teaching an old dog new tricks - that's the goal of my summer vacation! I have received a new macbook and iPad in order to support my new campus. Only problem, other than being an iTunes and iPod user, I've never used a mac. My world is being rocked, and now I have an even greater appreciation for what my teachers feel when confronted with new technology.

Today I attended three free workshops at the Apple Store at North Star Mall. Great employees.

Tonight I setup my iCal and my Mail to sync with my gmail and Google Calendar accounts. These weren't functions covered in the introductory training, but the Google support pages on line are so great, mission accomplished. That's enough for one day!