One of the primary purposes of our computing hardware and software is as a tool which helps us achieve some goal. Whether we’re creating a letter, a spreadsheet, a photographic array or an email, our computing devices should make our task easier.

Like tools in areas other than computing, there is often a major barrier to our task success – we don’t know how a particular tool works. Before we can save time or money or frustration by using a device, we have to get training on that hardware or software. That’s where the posts you find on this blog can help!

One of the most useful tools that Joyce and I use is the Google Calendar. Like many software packages, though, there are so many settings and capabilities with the Calendar, it can be a challenge to use. However, in my mind, it’s worth the effort of learning how to properly use it because it definitely will save you time and frustration once you get past the training period.

Yesterday, I posted the first of three videos I’m creating on using the Google Calendar. The first is at the top of this post and covers 8 Tips and Tricks when using the Calendar. Of the remaining two videos which will be posted in the upcoming week, one covers many of the Calendar settings like sharing your Calendar with a particular person or even making your Calendar public. The third video will cover the various ways of posting to the Calendar.

What if you don’t use Gmail? (Remember, if you have an Android phone, you have a Gmail/Google account even if you don’t use the Gmail portion.) A Google account is free and easy to set up. If you can use the Calendar, it’s definitely worth creating an account.