Guide 1 · 5 min read · Checked Nov 11, 2026
What MCP is and what it can do
In 5 minutes, learn how MCP lets AI work with your files, email, calendar and shop, and which way to start with.
MCP is a universal plug for AI
AI like Claude, ChatGPT or Gemini is great at thinking and writing, but without a connector it can’t open your files, read your email or see your sales. You have to copy things in by hand.
MCP is a shared standard that lets one connector work with many AI apps, like one charger that fits many devices. Each connector is called a server, and the AI app that uses it is the client.
What it can do
For example: “Find the lease I edited most recently and tell me when it ends.”
For example: “Summarise yesterday’s customer emails and draft a reply.”
For example: “Which days am I free next week?”
For example: “Which product sold best this month?”
For example: “Summarise today’s work channel and send it to my manager.”
For example: “Open these three shops and compare the prices.”
Three ways to connect AI to your work, easiest first
- The connector built into your AI app: Claude, ChatGPT and Gemini have Google Drive and other connectors you can switch on in settings. Nothing to install. Always start here.
- An MCP made by the service itself: if the company behind the service runs its own remote MCP, you just paste its address into your AI app and sign in. Your data doesn’t pass through anyone else.
- An MCP from another maker, or one you install on your computer: the widest choice, but you set it up yourself and your data may pass through that maker. Use it when the first two ways don’t work.
Do I have to pay?
Some built-in connectors work on free plans and some need a paid plan. Each guide says which, based on the vendor’s help pages and the date we checked.
Most MCPs in our list are free; some need an account with their maker. Each server page says so.
Where to start
Pick a task below, or answer two questions in “Start here”. For the full explanation, read the longer “What is MCP” page.
Let AI read files in Google Drive →Let AI read and draft Gmail →Let AI check your calendar →Let AI check shop sales →Let AI message Slack or LINE →Let AI browse the web →5 checks before you install an MCP →Start here →What is MCP (full version) →