Key Difference – Gmail Account vs Google Account
 

The key difference between Gmail account and Google account is that Google account enables access to a variety of services provided by Google, whereas Gmail account mainly helps in managing a person’s email.

Google began its journey in 1998 as a search engine. It was well known for its simplicity and accuracy in the search results. In few years, Google became a company that offers many online services. These services include special searches, maps, advertising, social networking, video, images, online storage, information relating to finance and newspaper archives. One of Google’s most popular web-based services comes in the form of email and is known as Gmail. In order to create a Gmail account, you have to first create a Google account.

There are many variations of Google accounts, from a basic Gmail account to a Business account that is fully secured. You are not alone if you are confused with many different Google accounts that are available. The features and permissions associated with each type of account also vary. Google has word apps, services, products, applications with their various accounts.

CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is a Gmail Account
3. What is a Google Account
4. Side by Side Comparison – Gmail Account vs Google Account

What is a Gmail Account

Gmail is a free email service provided by google. All your emails will be remotely saved on a server of Google. This will enable the information stored to be accessed by any device via the internet. Gmail can be accessed on devices like a desktop PC, laptop, smartphone, tablet, or from devices that have access to Gmail and internet. Gmail is flexible and customizable to the preferences of the user. The user can change the theme, alter the way the mail is displayed, sort messages into specific folders, send and receive large files, and search for messages by using Google interface. Gmail can also be integrated into email programs such as Microsoft Outlook. You can also use any username, given that the same username is not being used by another user. The email address format will be as [email protected]

Figure 01: Gmail Account

Gmail accounts were introduced in 2004. At the beginning, Gmail needed to receive invites in order to acquire a Gmail account. There was allocated space of 1GB of storage, which seemed a modern contrast to its competition at that time, Hotmail and Yahoo. As the free storage space grew, so did the applications that came with the google account. With the Gmail box, users were also able to access Google docs, Google sites, and Google calendars. Gmail now can be accessed anywhere anytime with the use of a suitable device. Email can be forwarded to Gmail in an instant when there is internet access. Gmail accounts are administered by the individual user who owns that account.

What is a Google Account

In order to use a Gmail account, the first step is to create a Google account. A Google account only requires basic information for identification purposes like your name and contact information. You also have the option of creating an online profile as a part of your account, but it is not compulsory. If the online profile is created, it will contain complete information about your profession, interests, and hobbies. This information can be made publicly accessible or can be restricted according to the preferences of the user. Google accounts are distinct and can be created without signing up for Gmail.

Google account is able to give you access to other services besides Gmail. As a social networking platform Google+ helps to stay in touch with acquaintances, friends, family members, and neighbours. Adwords and Adsense is a Google-based tool that helps in placing and displaying ads on your websites. Google chrome sync is used to synchronise the data on the chrome browser so that search history, bookmarks can be viewed across various devices like laptops, mobile phone etc. Google play is another service that is used to download apps to your phone.

Many of Google company’s features can be accessed without the use of a google account.

Figure 02: Google Services

What is the difference Between Gmail Account and Google Account?

Image Courtesy:
1. “Gmail logo” By Google – Transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons. (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia

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