Google NEXT: A tutorial

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During a recent conversation with some friends I realized that there are still plenty of people who are typing in their favorite blog addresses each day to see if there are any new posts.
 Google Reader is your new best friend.
For a quick tutorial on installing it (uber easy!!!) click here.   It keeps track of all your favorite blogs and websites and shows you when there is a new post you have not read.  Trust me, it is a HUGE time saver!

If I want to catch up on Just a Girl through Google Reader the screen looks like this:

Sometimes it is nice to catch up on my blogs in a "just the facts, ma'am" fashion.  But sometimes I like to visit the actual site.  With Google Next I get to experience her whole website while still benefitting from the shortcuts of Google Reader.  So now when I catch up on Just A Girl's blog, using Google Next, it looks like this on my screen:

It's kind of like the difference between an email and a card in the mailbox.  Both are nice, depending on what you feel like that day.  You can have Google Next and Google Reader at the same time.  They work together, so you are not seeing repeats.  Let me explain.  (Stick with me.  It's only 4 simple steps)


After you've installed google reader, it will look something like this:

1. Go to the far right of the screen near the top and you will see this:

2. Click on "Settings" (in blue at the top of the picture).  Choose "Reader Settings"

Your screen will then look like this:

3. See the tabs at the top?  Click on the one that says "Goodies"

Then your screen will look like this:

4. The screen explains it pretty simply.  Just drag that "Next" button up to your bookmarks bar and when you do, it will look like this:

See the word "Next" next to the "Google Reader" in the grey bookmarks box?  That's my "Next" button.   You're done in 4 easy steps.


Google Reader and Google Next go hand in hand.  Once I look at a blog post using G.R. it will not show up on G.N. and vice versa.  It's kind of like when you read your email.  Once you've read it, it doesn't show up in bold print anymore.
The difference between Next and Reader is very simple.  With Google Reader I see all of the blogs/websites I am following.  It gives me an overview of the blogs and lets me know which blogs and how many posts I have not yet read.
Google Next takes it the next step.  When I click on the next button on my bookmarks bar, it automatically takes me to the most recent blog and post that I have missed.  It's a little more random than google reader, but it is a fun and easy way to visit actual sites.  Give it a try.
You just might like it!  :)

If you have any questions, leave me a comment and I will try to answer in the comments so that everyone can benefit.  That's assuming I will have an answer.  Ha!