If you have a Google account then you already know that it comes with many free services. One of the more useful ones that has been around for a while now is Google Calendar. Google Calendar is all online so there is nothing to download, just use your Google Account and your web browser to keep track of, and share, all of your appointments. Here are some basic steps to get you started.
Signing Up
To access any of Google’s services you first have to sign up for a Google Account, if you don’t already have one. If you have a Google account (gmail, etc.), just sign in then go to www.google.com/calendar.
By default your view will be “Weekly View,” starting with Sunday.
Adding an Appointment
OK, you have a calendar…now add something!
On the left side there is a large red button that says “Create”. Left click on the down arrow that is right next to it. A text box will appear. Type your event in there and then Click the “Add” button. This will take you to a new page where you can enter in the details of the appointment. When done, click the red “Save” button a the top of the page. Back on the calendar you will see your appointment. Voila!
Editing or changing an Appointment
Change of plans… ?
On the calendar, find the appointment that you need to change. Just hover over it with your mouse. You will see that the title of the appointment will be underlined when you hover over it. Click on it when it is underlined. This will now take you back to the details page. Make your change and then click “Save” at the top, or just click the “delete” button to remove it.
Adding Friends’ Calendars
Let others know what you are up to.
Head back on over to the calendar view, which is really the only place to be. On the left window pane, look for “Other calendars.” Click the arrow to the left of it to expand it. A text box appears where you can add a friend’s calendar. Type in their email address and hit enter. If you have a gmail account it will start to populate with your contacts and people you have already emailed.
Sharing You Calendar
No reason to be selfish now.
On the left window pane in the calendar view, select “My calendars” On the right side of your name is a dropdown. Select it and you will see many options. Select “Share this calendar.” You will be taken to a details page where you can add specific email addresses or share it with the world. When all set, just click “Save.”
Changing Your View
Sometimes you gotta look a few weeks out.
At the top of the page there are options to look at the calendar from the viewpoint of a day, week, or month. To change the default view go to “My calendar.” Click the arrow next to “My calendar” and select “Settings” You will be taken to a Calendar Details page. At the top select “General.” In this General Details page you can customize your calendar. About half way down the page is a “Default view:” option. Use the drop down to make the desired change.