Email

Email is mail that is electronically sent to your computer. Email (sometimes spelled e-mail) is delivered instantly. This feature is one of the main reasons people seek to gain Internet access. Email is completely free to use, and allows you to communicate worldwide.

To use email, you need a computer, an online connection, an email account and an email program. The email account can be obtained through your ISP, or from one of several free email services online. These free email services include:

• G-mail (www.gmail.com) - provided by Google
• Yahoo Mail (www.yahoomail.com) - provided by Yahoo
• Hotmail (www.hotmail.com) - a service of MSN
• Fast Mail (www.fastmail.fm)
• AIM (www.aim.com) - an AOL e-mail service, independent of the AOL ISP
• Inbox (www.inbox.com)

Since an email address is the main form of communication online, it is recommended that you choose a memorable email name. Too many numbers and misspellings will make it difficult for others to contact you. Many people use more than one email address to separate their business and personal emails.