6. Conclusion

Gmail has created innovative features, and in typical Google tradition, has mixed very well, the fun aspects and its productivity features, for a very complete and dynamic email service. One of its greatest qualities is its ability to be flexible to all kinds of people with completely different needs and desires, and to do most of what it has set itself out to do quite well.

Practice №2 The study of cloud services Google Talk.

Google Talk is a free instant messaging, voice and video chat service. Follow these steps of practice work to start using it. 

Figure 2.1 – Google Talk

Google Talk, also informally known as Gmail chat or Gchat, is a great way to keep in touch with other people both inside and outside the business. All you need is your Google account and the necessary software depending on your chat needs – at minimum a browser. If you do not have a Google account you will need to set one up to proceed.

Note: always check with your IT and/or security team before implementing any new software in a corporate setting. Google Talk integrates with Gmail and provides instant messaging, voice, and video communications (a browser voice/video chat plug-in is required for these latter two functions) with fellow Talk users.

2.1 Use the native Gmail Talk option

Talk is built right into Gmail and if you aren't already using it the steps involved are simple.

Look for the chat icon in the lower left of your Gmail window:

Figure 2.2 – Chat icon

Click this icon to bring up the following box:

Figure 2.3 – Search for contacts

Search for contacts with whom you'd like to chat.

Figure 2.4 – Contact information card

Note the contact card with icons along the bottom for starting a Hangout, sending an email, and starting a chat. Click the chat icon. This brings up a chat box in the lower right of your Gmail screen.

Figure 2.5 – Chat box

The chat box provides an icon toolbar to invite the recipient to a Hangout, add voice/video chat (plugin required; see below) or add other people to the chat.

2.2 Installing the voice/video chat plugin

This plugin can use for several browsers, for example Goggle Chrome, but here is the full list of supported operating systems and browsers.

Figure 2.6 – Voice/video chat plugin

In addition, you and your fellow participants will need a microphone / speakers for audio and a webcam for video.

To set up the plug-in, access the "Install voice and video chat" page.

Figure F

Click "Install voice and video chat."

The plug-in will proceed to install.

Figure G

(You may be prompted to manually save and run the install file if there is a problem with the installation procedure.)

When finished, you'll see the following confirmation box.

Figure H

You can now start using the voice and video chat function in Gmail - using the standard chat interface, click "More" and then "Start video chat."

Figure I

Here is a demo from Google showing how video chat works.

Set up the Talk application on a Windows PC (XP or later)

The Talk application lets you use the same features shown above without having to sign into your browser. It's also larger and more robust than the Gmail chat window.

Click this link to start the download.

Figure J

The browser will prompt you to save the executable.

Figure K

Save and run the file.

Figure L

Click "I agree," and the installation will proceed.

Figure M

Click "Finish" when done.

A new program folder called "Google Talk" now appears in the programs list of your Start Menu. Open this folder then launch Google Talk. You will see a new icon in your system tray.

Figure N

Talk will come up with a sign-on screen.

Figure O

Sign in using your Google account credentials. Once authenticated, you will see your Contacts load.

Figure P

You can start chatting or place audio calls to existing contacts. You can also click "Add" to invite friends.

Figure Q

Using these steps you can easily initiate text, audio and video chats with other Gmail users, whether you're working from home, traveling, or just across the hall in need of quick collaboration.