Open up your browser and type http://www.google.com in the navigation bar

The Google home page will load. Click on the link to Gmail. It is usually in the top right hand corner.

This will take you to the Gmail sign in page.

Click below the sign in area on the link that says ‘Create an account’

Choose your username. Sometimes your first selected username will be taken by someone else. Gmail will make suggestions if this is the case but you do not have to choose what they suggest. Getting the username of your choice might take a couple of tries, depending on the type of name you would like. Email addresses that use common names will be more popular and hence will be more difficult to secure. Once you have finalised your name, write it down so you have a record of it.

Then you’ll need to come up with a password. Check out our creating password guide for some handy information on how to create secure and memorable passwords. You’ll have to type in your password twice to make sure it matches.

You’ll then be asked to fill out a captcha form. This is a security measure to make sure you're human. Type out the letters and symbols as they appear on screen to continue. If you can’t work out the captcha image, you can swap it for another by clicking the arrows. You can also have it read out by clicking the speaker so you can hear it and type what it says in the captcha text box.

Once you have completed all areas of this form, click next step.

You will be asked to add a photo to your Gmail profile. If you would like to add a photo of yourself, you can upload it now. Once you have decided on your photo, Click next. If you don't want a photo on your account, click next without uploading a photo.

You have now set up your account! You can go to your inbox and start emailing!