There will always be alternatives which you pay hard cash for, but if you want 'free' services you most likely end up paying through advertising. The majority

There will always be alternatives which you pay hard cash for, but if you want 'free' services you most likely end up paying through advertising. The majority of people seem to find their internet habits being sold as a data point to advertisers and getting targeted ads is an ok 'price to pay' for gmail/outlook/google drive/skydrive/dropbox etc et al. Again if you don't like this deal there is always someone willing to take your money in exchange for such priviledge.