How to backup your Gmail account
review from Ask-Leo, Apr 2007, permalink Email Tips
From Clif:
If you have questions, you can often find an answer at ask-leo.com. Today I found an answer to a question I never thought to ask. I've always trusted Gmail to keep my email safe and sound. So far, I haven't been disappointed. For those of you who are less trusting, you may find this tip very useful.
Quote from the website
Of all the current free email services, GMail is my favorite. I know I've railed against free email services as your only email service, but they definitely have their place. And GMail is the service I recommend.
In part, I recommend it because I can answer this question. GMail is easy to backup.
http://ask-leo.com/how_do_i_backup_my_gmail.html