Gmail offers several advantages over other email providers like Hotmail and Outlook such as more generous storage space of 10+ GB, powerful search functionality within emails, customizable themes and workflows, and reliability. To create a new Gmail account, you visit gmail.com and fill out a sign-up form providing your name, username, password and phone number for two-step verification. The process involves verifying your phone number, providing additional personal details, and accepting Google's terms and conditions.