4. Once they're selected, you can apply any of Gmail's various functions: Archive, Mark as Spam, Delete, Move to, and so on, just by clicking the corresponding button in the toolbar.

It's worth noting that if you click the little down-arrow alongside the Select checkbox, you'll see a menu of items you can quick-select: all, unread, starred, unstarred, etc. That may save time if you're looking to, say, delete all unread mail. Three clicks and you're done!

Just be careful when using this select-all option; you'll want to make sure that only your "certain category of e-mails," to use Bill's words, are visible, otherwise you could end up deleting more than you bargained for.

Contributing Editor writes about business and consumer technology. Ask for help with your PC hassles at hasslefree@pcworld.com, or try the treasure trove of helpful folks in the . Sign up to have the e-mailed to you each week.