text: what is gmail i heard of email obvisouly but what is gmail?   the other answers were pretty good. here are the things they left out: get gmail invites from this site http://www.bytetest.com/ ( it's completely automated; click and you're at the gmail sign-up page )  what's so good about gmail: 1. you've got a huge amount of storage for your email: almost 3 gb 2. you can use google docs and spreadseets (web based word editor and excel spreadsheets ) 3. you can create your own web site with localized downloads ( 100 mb ) and tons of features. 4. you can use google reader (  web based rss, xml, atom.. reader ); it's better than most desktop applications ( keyboard shortcuts ... and lots of features ) 5. you can use their calendar..... 6. a lot of other things (all free) 7. you don't need to switch right away; create your account see how it works; and switch when you feel comfortable (like me)