Gmail is a free email host developed by Google that first began as an invite-only beta release; as of 2007, Google is open to the public. Gmail users were first allowed only one GB of storage for emails; the current storage allotment is closer to four GB, eclipsing the storage space of free services such as Hotmail and Yahoo! and forcing them to augment their allowances.

On February 24, 2009, Gmail was unavailable for hours, sending the tech world into a frenzy. A Gmail representative issued a statement saying "A number of users are having difficulty accessing Gmail and we're working to resolve the problem. We know how important Gmail is to users so we are taking this very seriously and we apologize for any inconvenience caused."guardian: Gmail fails: Tech world grinds to a halt(February 24, 2009)

One of the main ways Google makes revenue from Gmail is by offering contextual ads in emails, which has raised privacy concerns.

Google's offer to give free e-mail storage to anyone has spurred stiff competition from other companies such as Microsoft and Yahoo. Both companies were forced to increase their storage space and add new features in order to keep up with the competition. TechCrunch, which compared the "Big Three" in an article, determined that Gmail edged out the other two slightly with its speed and large storage allotment. http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/02/08/a-comparison-of-live-hotmail-gmail-and-yahoo-mail/

• DownloadSquad: How To: Use Gmail over IMAP and tag your mail
  
• Jim's Tips: Gmail Tips
  
• Official Site: Gmail Tour
  
• Official Site: Gmail FAQ
  
• Google Operating System: If you can't access Gmail, try these modes (October 28, 2008)
  
• Search Engine RoundTable: Getting Access to Gmail Accounts of the Deceased
  
• Wikibooks: Gmail
  
• WIRED: How To Wiki: Get the Most Out of Gmail
  
• Lifehacker: Gmail Tips & Downloads
  
• Mashable!: Gmail Toolbox: 60+ Tools For Gmail
  
• CNET: Top Five Gmail Hacks for Info Warriors
  
• Micro Persuasion: Turn Gmail into a Social Network Hub
  
• PC Magazine: Tips And Tricks To Make Google's Gmail Work... 
  

• Yahoo! Mail

• Windows Live Hotmail

• AOL Mail