If you don’t already have a Google/Gmail and a Microsoft/Outlook.com account, there are several reasons that you may need one besides just for a secondary email address.
A Google/Gmail.com email is used for:
- A primary or secondary email address due to Gmail’s superior junk/spam filtering and syncing of contacts and calendars with a mobile device
- Using Google’s Picasa picture management program and free online photos backup on Picasa Web Albums or Google+ Photos
- Using Google Drive online backup and synchronization folder (similar to Dropbox), and the accompanying Google Docs, a free online document creation and management suite
- Required on an Android smartphone or tablet for backing up the device’s settings, purchasing apps and using location services
A Microsoft/Outlook.com account is used for:
- A primary or secondary email address due to the Hotmail.com/Live.com/Outlook.com superior superior syncing ability of mail, contacts and calendar between your computer and mobile devices
- Using Microsoft Office 2013 or Microsoft Office 365 subscription for syncing or managing your subscription
- Using the multiple computer settings synchronization offered in Windows 8
- Required on a Windows Phone smartphone or tablet for backing up the device’s settings, purchasing apps and using location services
- Using Microsoft OneDrive online backup and synchronization folder (similar to Dropbox)
- Using Office Online, an internet-based document creation and management suite