Setting Up Your Email Account

Before you can use Outlook Express, you need to set up your Internet connection and email account information. Setting up an Internet connection is covered in Chapter 5, "Getting Wired for Communication." You also need to set up information about your particular email account.

Setting Up an Outlook Express Account

The first time you start Outlook Express you are prompted to set up your email account. You should have handy all the connection information from your Internet service provider (ISP)your username, email address, password, and technical information, such as the incoming mail server name (called the POP3, IMAP, or HTTP server) and the outgoing mail server (called the SMTP server). If you have problems or questions about this information, contact your Internet service provider.

Setting Up a Web Mail Account

If you want to be able to check your email from any location and from any computer, you can use a Web mail account. This address enables you to log on to the Internet from any site and access the mail. For instance, Hotmail (www.hotmail.com) is a popular Web mail provider.

tip

One of the downsides of Web email is that you get a lot of junk mail; often, the site uses advertising to generate income. While you don't pay for the account, you may be bombarded with unsolicited email.

To set up an account, go to the mail site and follow the specific instructions for that site. For example, Hotmail requires a Microsoft .NET passport account. You log on with this account and set up your mail account. You can then log on to this site and check your email by entering your user name and password to access your Web mailbox.