How to create an account on Github

Beginner's Guide to Setting Up a GitHub Account and Configuring Git Without Using the Terminal

This guide is designed for students with minimal computer experience. It provides straightforward instructions on how to set up a GitHub account and configure Git using graphical user interface (GUI) applications on MacOS, Windows, and Linux.

Part 1: Creating a GitHub Account

1. Open a Web Browser: Click on the browser icon on your desktop or taskbar (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Safari) to open it.

2. Visit GitHub: Type https://github.com in the address bar and press Enter.

3. Sign Up: On the GitHub homepage, click the "Sign Up" button located at the top right corner. Fill in your email address, a password, and a username. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the registration, including verifying your email address when prompted.

4. Customize Your Profile (optional): Once logged in, you can add a profile picture or a short bio by clicking your profile icon at the top right corner and selecting "Settings," then "Profile."

Part 2: Installing and Configuring Git Using GUI Tools

For MacOS and Windows:

1. Download and Install GitHub Desktop: Visit https://desktop.github.com/ and download GitHub Desktop for MacOS or Windows. Open the downloaded file and follow the installation instructions.

2. Configure GitHub Desktop: Open GitHub Desktop. Go to the "Preferences" (Mac) or "Options" (Windows) menu, usually found under "GitHub Desktop" on the application menu. Click on "Accounts" and sign in with your GitHub credentials. Click on "Git" to set your name and email address.

For Linux:

1. Install a Git GUI (e.g., GitKraken): Go to https://www.gitkraken.com/ and download the installer for Linux. Open the downloaded file and follow the instructions to install it.

2. Configure GitKraken: Open GitKraken. Sign up or log in if prompted, and connect your GitHub account when asked. Go to the "Preferences" section in GitKraken to set up your name and email under "Git Config."

Part 3: Verifying Your Setup

In GitHub Desktop or GitKraken, you can check your settings by revisiting the "Preferences" or "Options" menu. Ensure your GitHub account is connected and your user details are correct.

Conclusion

You have now successfully set up your GitHub account and a Git client using GUI applications, without needing to use the terminal. These tools will help you manage your projects and collaborate with others through a user-friendly interface. As you become more comfortable, you may explore additional features and settings to enhance your version control experience.