Sign Up for Google+

Google has responded to the lively interest in social networking with Google+ (also known as “Google Plus” or even just “g+”), and Google+ is quickly becoming an alternative to Facebook and Twitter for those looking for a new environment to play in. The first step to beginning your quest to use Google+ is to just dive in, create an account, and start using it!

Signing up for Google+

Creating your Google+ account is easy, you simply need to visit Google+ and sign up! You’ll have to create a Google account if you don’t already have one, or you just need to log in with an existing account to access your new Google+ profile. Then you just enter some basic information about yourself to get started.
When Google+ was first released to the public it was invitation-only, but luckily that’s no longer the case — anyone can join. You still may get invited, though; if you do get an invitation in your e-mail, you’ll just need to click on the link in the e-mail to get started creating your account.

Filling out your Google+ information

When you have access to Google+, you can create your account and fill out some basic information. If you know you have an invite but can’t find it, just go to Google+. If you’ve received an invite, going to that URL will accomplish the same thing.
Just follow these steps to get going:

A page that looks like the one in the following figure appears.

The name of the link in this step depends on whether you were invited specifically or by someone who is a member sharing a post with you on Google+ via e-mail.

Click Sign In.

You are whisked off to a login form where you enter your Google account credentials.
Sign in with your Google account by entering your Google username and password.

Don’t have a Google account? You can create one on this page by clicking the “Create an account now” link below the login box. Just follow the steps to create your Google account; then start this list again with Step 1.

Google now prompts you to fill out some basic information for your Google+ profile.
Enter your name (this will likely be filled in for you).

Make sure you enter your real name! Google+ is about real people. Even if people recognize you by a pseudonym, your account can get blocked if you don’t use your real name here.

Google is rumored to be working on better ways to allow other types of personas on the system, so if this isn’t good enough for you, keep watching and an option that works well for you may likely appear in the future.
Indicate your gender.
Select a profile photo.

Google+ asks you to size your photo.
Select the area you want for your profile photo and choose Set as Profile Photo.
When prompted, decide if you want Google to use your information to personalize content and ads on non-Google websites by checking or leaving the box unchecked.

This enables more personalized ads and content on the Google sites you visit, but it is optional if you feel uncomfortable selecting this option.
Click Upgrade.

You’re done! You can now start using Google+.