Why can't my mac access Gmail?

Answer 1

Macs are perfectly capable of accessing Gmail as long as you have set them up properly. Assuming a recent Mac with a recent version of the Mail application....

Ensure your Gmail account has POP access turned on.
Launch the Mac's Mail application
Select Preferences from the Mail menu.
Select the Accounts tab.
Click the plus sign under the accounts list.
Under Account Type check that POP is selected
Enter "Gmail" under Account Description:.
Enter your name under Full Name:.
Enter your full Gmail address under email Address:.
Click Continue.


Enter "pop.gmail.com" under Incoming Mail Server:
Enter your full Gmail email address under User Name:.
Type your Gmail password in the Password: field.
Click Continue.


Use Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) should be on.
Select Password under Authentication:
Click Continue.


Enter "smtp.gmail.com" under Outgoing Mail Server:.
Use Authentication should be on.
Enter your full Gmail address under User Name:.
Type your Gmail password into the Password: field.
Click Continue.


Make sure Use Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is checked under Outgoing Mail Security
Under Authentication:, select Password.
Click Continue.


Click Continue again.
Click Done.


Highlight your new "Gmail" account and click Server Settings... under Outgoing Mail Server (SMTP):
Enter "465" under Server port:.
Click OK.
Close the mail preferences.


There are options such as Googles Notifier and the MailPlane application that can further enhance your mail usage. (see links below)