Here is some interesting news, Google have now switched to forcing a HTTPS connection when you access the Gmail service. Gmail is Google's free email service like Hotmail or paid service like Microsoft Exchange. HTTPS is used to secure your "Session" between you and the website you are accessing, if you have ever made a purchase online you have used a secure session.

Why does HTTPS Matter?

Security above all else, creating a secure session between you and the server means no one can snoop on your login details or the content of emails you are reading.

However there is a downside! HTTPS is slower than a normal HTTP connection, the reason being that the data has to be encrypted and decrypted on both ends as well as placing an extra burden on routers along the path of the connection.

In modern terms you shouldn't notice the difference but for users on older computers or slow connections (Dialup, sub 500k broadband) you may find a lag effect when accessing Gmail.{jb_warning}You can turn HTTPS off in your settings but I would suggest it's on for a very good reason (Your Security) and leave it on unless you have problems. {/jb_warning}If your an IT manager you might want to take a look and see if your existing infrastructure will be able to cope with an increase of secure connections running across your internal networks.