2. Advantages of Gmail

When you sign up for the first time, you will have access to a long list of Google services, not just email. The most commonly used of those services include:

  • Google Drive: Where you can create spreadsheets, documents, and even slideshow presentations using a free library of cloud-based office applications. You also get lots of space to store all of your files.
  • Google Maps: A web and mobile-based app to help you find directions and navigate with traffic, satellite views, user photos of places and more. You can even use Google Maps for interesting things like finding parking or exploring the solar system.
  • YouTube: Now that Google bought YouTube, your Google account gives you access to all free features that are available on YouTube.
  • Google Calendar: A cloud-based calendar system that lets you organize your day in a very intuitive, easy-to-use graphical interface, both on the web and on your phone.
  • Google Keep: Think sticky notes for your computer and your phone. It’s a great alternative to Evernote.
  • Google Contacts: Sync all of your contacts across your email, all Google services, and your phone.
This is just a small subset of the cloud services you get access to when you first sign up for your brand new Google account. If this sounds like something you’d like to be a part of, then let’s get started with creating your very first Google Account!