gmail is Google's free email service, available at mail.google.com. If you have a Google account, you already have a Gmail account.

Creating an Account
Gmail was initially only available by invitation, but you can now sign up for an account whenever you want. When you do, you will join a user base of over 1.8 billion. The procedure is simple and quick.

How It Is Funded
AdSense ads appear on the side panels of messages when you open them from within Gmail's website. The ads are unobtrusive and are computer-matched to keywords within the mail message by Gmail's algorithms.

Unlike some competitors, Gmail does not insert advertisements or attachments into the messages you send and receive. Ads do not appear in Gmail on Android phones.