The launch of webmail providers like Yahoo! Mail, Hotmail, and Gmail caused the operations of desktop email clients like Apple Mail, Microsoft Outlook, and Mozilla Thunderbird to go downhill. Many email users, after all, were thrilled with the idea of having an Internet-dependent email account. Webmail providers, however, offer the same services and features that desktop email clients do. So, how come many people consider webmail better than desktop email?
Advantages of using webmail
What makes webmail great is that it is very easy to use. You don’t have to install or maintain any type of software because your web browser takes care of everything! And the best part is, webmail is usually free! Unless you want the premium versions, you don’t have to shell out a single penny just to have a webmail account.
Because webmail is entirely Internet-based, it doesn’t use up space on your hard drive. Your emails and contact lists are all stored in an online folder that is kept safe and private by your webmail provider.
Disadvantages of using webmail
The most obvious disadvantage of using webmail is that you can only use it whenever you are logged-on to the Internet. No Internet connection, no webmail access. The loading time of your webmail also depends on the speed of your Internet connection. So if you are using dial-up connection, be extra patient. Read an entire chapter of the latest best-seller so you don’t get bored.
Webmail is neither better nor worse than desktop email. Email provider preferences, after all, are very subjective. Some people have already switched to using webmail, while others remain faithful to using desktop email.