Gmail is a free web based email solution available to internet users. The application provides all the usual email features, including reply and forward features, CC and BCC fields and more. The user can also sort their email messages into folders to retain greater control over their inbox. A built in chat function lets the user communicate with others on their contact list in real time. A search tool bar is available to help users locate messages quickly in each folder. Gmail lets users send and receive attachments as well as provides easy access to Google Documents. The user can quickly create a new folder (called a label) from the inbox interface. Additional features include contact lists and a simple built in task manager. The concept behind Gmail was developed by Paul Buchheit a few years prior to the application’s public announcement on April 1st, 2004. The popularity of the application has grown along with that of its parent company. Many users love Gmail’s intuitive design and simple interface. Although some believe that Gmail could do a better job of helping the user organize their messages, the service continues to improve to offer a better experience to the user. Gmail provides users with a number of conveniences that can make managing an intimidating inbox much easier. The application continues to grow the user’s available storage space while providing a number of practical sorting tools. The user can create a label and sort their messages easily from the inbox. The application works very smoothly, so the user moves quickly and seamlessly from one area to the next as they explore folders and features. Gmail gives users everything they need without any fluff. The application includes a basic email design, with messages listed down the center of the page and a side bar menu with folders and chat features. A light blue frame gives the application a more appealing appearance without becoming a distraction. The user can easily find messages, contacts or features within the interface or by searching with the built in search bar at the top of the inbox page. A new user must create a Google account to access Gmail. One Google account gives the user access to a number of applications offered by the company. To create an account, the user can visit the Gmail homepage and click the reddish “Create an Account” button in the upper, right hand corner. The registration form appears in a column along the right side of the next page. The form asks for a first and last name, username, password, date of birth, gender, mobile phone number and other email address. The user must enter a Captcha code before checking the terms of service box and submitting the form. The user is automatically logged in after submitting the form. Anyone can create a new Gmail account for free. There are no costs required and the user can send and receive emails as often as they like. Each user is given access to all basic features and does not have to make a purchase or refer anyone else to maintain an account. The application continues to expand its available free space, so most users will not need to purchase additional space. Those that do can buy 20 GBs for $5 per year. Gmail is an excellent email solution for anyone who is looking for web based email access. The application is very user friendly and provides a sizable quantity of storage space to each free user. Users can choose to upgrade or maintain a free account indefinitely. Additional features, such as built in chat, a simple task manager and label functions allow the user to manage communications and streamline their online conversations.

• Gmail provides users with an ever growing quantity of storage space
• Labels let the user sort their messages into convenient folders
• Google Chat lets users interact in real time and save past discussions
• A simple task manager provides users with a quick way to manage tasks
• Built in search tool lets the user find messages quickly from any folder
• Additional storage space can be purchased for a low yearly rate
• Contacts are saved and can be sorted into groups

http://mail.google.com/