Apple Mail Help

Hey, I got a new Mac mini about a week ago, and I love it, but I can't get my mail (the one that came with my mac) to work properly. I have a Googlemail account, not a Gmail account, as I live in the UK. It will let me setup my account to a degree, but I can't seem to send mail to anyone. I've tried everything, but I can't get it to work. I even tried the settings off my iPod touch, and it doesn't work. Help me please!!!

Thanks