Things You'll Need:
- Internet service provider
- Computer
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Step 1
If you presently have Internet service through MSN (Microsoft Network) or AOL (America Online), you will be able to keep your email address. You will have to access it through their website and cannot use a third-party email program to access it. You will also need to connect using your new Internet service provider.
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Step 2
If you have a Yahoo, Gmail or Hotmail account, there is no need to send your contacts a new email address from your new provider. Keep using the web-based email you already have. You can access it from anywhere.
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Step 3
Some Internet service providers will allow you to keep your email account with them open though you no longer have Internet access through them. Ask about this when canceling and be prepared to pay a monthly fee of between $3 and $5. You will need to access the email through their webmail portal on their website.
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Step 4
Sign up with a web-based email provider and use that exclusively. This includes Yahoo, AOL, Gmail, and Hotmail. There are others out there, but these are the larger providers. If you want a Gmail account, you will need an invitation from a current Google mail user or sign up on the Google site. If you want a Hotmail account, you can sign up through the new Windows Live account services. These services are all free and have an expanded menu of services and storage from what they did in the past. Do not use the email address(es) provided by your new ISP (Internet service provider) as you will have to notify your contacts and change your address book each time you change Internet service providers. If you use a web-based provider, you will be able to access your email from anywhere in the world on nearly any computer, including both Macintosh and PCs.
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Step 5
Links for the web-based email providers are mentioned within this article for your convenience.
Comments
SeventhSibling said
on 8/10/2008 Good to know!