Have you ever wanted to know how to configure Gmail so that it connects to your Outlook account? Well, read on. In this article, I explain how easy it is to do this.
Configure Gmail Settings
You need to enable IMAP in your Gmail settings so Outlook can access your mail. To do so,
- Open Gmail in a browser and sign in. From your inbox, click the Gear icon in the upper-right corner and select the Settings option.
- On the Forwarding and POP/IMAP tab, you will find the settings you need. Here you can choose between the POP and IMAP protocols for email syncing. In almost every case, you’ll want to use IMAP, as POP is outdated and doesn’t work with multiple devices.
Note: If you do use IMAP, choose Disable POP to avoid duplicate emails later.
Less secure apps & your Google Account
If an app doesn’t meet the Gmail security standards, Google may block you from signing in to your account. Unfortunately, Outlook is one of the applications blocked. However, here is an easy fix to the problem.
- Open your Gmail account from within your browser and open your Inbox
- Click on your Gmail profile icon – the circle with the first letter of your name in
- Click the icon “Manage your Google Account”
- Click the “Security” icon in the left pane
- Scroll down till you find the heading “Less secure app access”
- Find the line “Turn on less secure access” and select it. The screen will refresh and an option to enable “Less Secure App Access” will be displayed
- Enable “Allow Less Secure Apps”
You have now completed the steps in Gmail, now you need to add your Gmail account to Outlook.
Add Gmail Account to Outlook
Follow these easy steps to add the Gmail account. If you have two-step authentication enabled, there are a few more steps to complete that I address in a separate article.
- Open Outlook and click “File” in the top-left corner.
- Select the “Info” tab in the left pane
- Select “Account Settings” then
- Select “Account Settings” again from the drop-down list
- Select the “Email” tab
- Select the “New” tab
- Enter your Gmail address then select “Connect”
- Type in your Gmail password and press “Continue”
- Now select “Done” and then “Close”
Your Gmail account should now be added to Outlook. If you are having problems, contact the author, Ryan Danvers at ABACON IT on 072 601 2858 for assistance.
Windows 11 Upgrade - Will it work on your lapop?
So, you’re wondering about Windows 11, the latest version of Microsoft’s operating system. It looks snazzy and has some neat features. But can your current laptop actually run it? Don’t worry, you don’t need a degree in IT to figure this out! We at abacon IT in Cape Town are here to help you understand the basics.
Upgrading your laptop to Windows 11 can give it a new lease on life. However, Windows 11 has certain system requirements. These are the minimum specifications your laptop needs to have to run the software smoothly. Think of it like needing the right ingredients for a recipe – without them, it just won’t work properly.
One of the most important parts is your laptop’s processor, often called the CPU (Central Processing Unit). This is the “brain” of your computer. Windows 11 needs a fairly recent and capable CPU to function well.
Which Processors Work with Windows 11?
Here’s a simplified look at the processors that are generally compatible:
Intel Processors:
- Generally, Windows 11 requires an 8th-generation Intel Core processor or newer. You might see names like “Intel Core i5-8xxx” or “Intel Core i7-11xxx.” The first number after the “i” (or “i3”) usually indicates the generation. So, an “i5-8250u” is an 8th-generation processor.
- Intel also has its Pentium and Celeron processors. For Windows 11, only certain newer models are compatible.
AMD Processors:
- For AMD, Windows 11 requires Ryzen 2000 Series and newer. You’ll see names like “AMD Ryzen 5 2xxx” or “AMD Ryzen 7 5xxx”. Again, the first number after “Ryzen” indicates the series.
- AMD also has Athlon processors. Similar to Intel’s Pentium and Celeron, only specific newer Athlon models will work with Windows 11.
Important Note: This is a general guideline. There can be exceptions, so it’s always best to double-check your specific processor.
How to Find Out Which Processor Your Laptop Has
Don’t fret, Windows makes it pretty easy to see what CPU is inside your laptop:
- Right-click the Start Button: This is the Windows logo (usually in the bottom-left corner of your screen).
- Select “System”: A new window will pop up with information about your computer.
- Look for “Processor”: You’ll find this listed under the “Device specifications” section. It will tell you the name of your processor, including the manufacturer (Intel or AMD) and the model number, which usually indicates the generation or series.
Once you have this information, you can compare it to the general lists above.
Other Important Bits for Windows 11
Besides the processor, there are a few other things Windows 11 needs:
- RAM (Random Access Memory): Consider this your laptop’s short-term memory. Windows 11 requires at least 4 gigabytes (GB) of RAM. More is always better for smoother performance. Instead, consider 16 gigabytes (GB).
- Storage: To install Windows 11, you’ll need at least 64 GB of free space on your hard drive or SSD (Solid-State Drive). An SSD generally makes your computer much faster.
- TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module): This is a security feature. Most modern laptops have this, but it’s worth checking. You can usually find information on how to check for TPM 2.0 in your laptop’s BIOS settings (you might need to consult your laptop manufacturer’s website for instructions on accessing this).
- Graphics Card: Your graphics card needs to be compatible with DirectX 12 or later with a WDDM 2.0 driver. Most reasonably recent graphics cards will meet this requirement.
- Display: You’ll need a screen with a resolution of at least 720p (HD).
Still Not Sure? We Can Help!
Figuring out all these technical details can be daunting. If you’re still unsure whether your laptop is ready for Windows 11, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at abacon IT in Cape Town.
Our friendly team can quickly assess your system and give you straightforward advice. We’re here to help your SME thrive with reliable IT solutions! Contact us at 072-601-2858 or email info@abacon.co.za, and we will call you back.
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