Hotmail, also known as Outlook.com, is a free web-based email service that was launched by Sabeer Bhatia and Jack Smith in 1996. It was one of the first web-based email services and was revolutionary in that it allowed users to access their email from any computer with an internet connection.
Hotmail quickly gained popularity, and by the end of 1997, it had over 8 million users. In December 1997, Microsoft acquired Hotmail for $400 million, and it became a part of the Microsoft Network (MSN).
Since then, Hotmail has undergone numerous changes and upgrades, including a rebranding to Outlook.com in 2013. Today, it boasts over 400 million active users and is one of the most popular email services in the world.
One of the key features of Hotmail/Outlook.com is its integration with other Microsoft services such as Office Online, OneDrive, and Skype. This allows users to easily access and use these services without having to log in to each one separately.
In addition to email, Hotmail/Outlook.com offers a calendar, contacts, and task management features. The calendar allows users to create and manage events, set reminders, and share their calendar with others. The contacts feature allows users to store and manage their contacts, and the task management feature allows users to create and manage tasks and to-do lists.
Hotmail/Outlook.com also has robust security features, including spam filtering, virus scanning, and two-step verification. This helps to keep users' accounts and data safe from cyber threats.
Overall, Hotmail/Outlook.com is a reliable and feature-rich email service that has stood the test of time. Its integration with other Microsoft services, security features, and ease of use make it a popular choice for both personal and business users.