Google+ launched as an invitation-only social network in June 2011 and became available to everyone in September of that same year. Although the site isnt Googles first foray into the social realm, it is its most popular, reaching more than 250 million registered users as of June 2012, according to the Associated Press. If youre thinking about dipping a toe in the Google+ waters, one thing youll notice is that the site isnt just a straight-up Facebook or Twitter clone, although it does borrow features from each. The social network comes with its own lingo and a slight learning curve, but youll be navigating with ease in no time.
Creating an Account
Now that Google+ is open to everyone, the only thing you need to get started is a Google account. Visit the Google+ homepage and create a new account, or sign in to your existing Google account to join Google+. Google uses the term "upgrade" for this process, but don't worry -- it's free. Youll be asked to enter some personal information and add friends, and then youll be taken to your Google+ homepage.
Navigating the Site
When you log in to Google+, you start out on the Home tab; this tab contains your stream (posts from you and people in your circles), topics currently trending on Google and a list of suggested users. Persistent elements that appear on the page, regardless of what tab is selected, include the vertical navigation bar on the left side of the page, a search box at the top and the Google Chat and Hangouts menu on the right side. The navigation bar has eight tabs, including the Home tab. The Profile tab displays your profile and allows you to make changes. Explore displays a list of updates that are currently trending on Google+. Events features upcoming events from your Google Calendar, event photos, events youve been invited to and the ability to create an event yourself. The Photos tab contains photo albums youve uploaded and images in which youve been tagged. Circles is the section where you create new circles, manage existing circles and find friends to add. Local features business recommendations based on your circles, reviews and location. The More tab contains links to Google+ Games, Hangouts and Google+ pages you manage.
Setting Up Circles
Google+ organizes the people you follow into individual groups called circles. When you first register, there are several default circles set up but you can create your own by clicking the Circles tab and clicking on the empty circle labeled Drop Here to Create a Circle. When you share a status update, you can select a specific circle to share it with like Family or College Friends, for instance and it will only be available to those users. You can also choose to share with all of your circles at once, or with specific individuals. Adding someone to a circle is one-sided, like Twitters Follow action; you can view the users publicly shared updates, but you arent automatically added to her circles in return. Visit the Circles tab and use the search bar to find people you want to add. When you find someone interesting, click the Add to Circles button on his profile and select the appropriate circle.
Creating and Interacting With Posts
If you use Twitter or Facebook, this action will seem familiar. On the Home tab (also called the Stream), click the Share Whats New text box at the top of the page and enter the text youd like to post. You can also add photos, videos, links and events by clicking the appropriate icon next to the status update box. Click the text box above the Share button to select the circles you want to share your post with. You can also make your post public, or enter a specific persons name or email address to share it with that person only. Like Facebook and Twitter, you can mention a user in a comment or post using the format @users name. The use of hashtags using along with a keyword to organize and group similar topics is also supported. A feature unique to Google+ is basic text formatting in status updates. You can make text bold by enclosing it with a pair of asterisks, italicize by enclosing text with a pair of underscores and use paired dashes to add a strikethrough effect.
You can interact with posts from the people you follow by commenting or clicking the +1 button, the Google+ equivalent of Facebooks Like action.
