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e.Mail & The Internet (2)
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Okay, so you want a new e.mail account. To set one up is virtually the same whichever ISP you choose. I have taken Virgin as my example, but it could be any of them.
First find your way to www.virginmedia.com and look for the link to the Internet Access pages. You have several choices of how you want to pay, or use their 'free' service. By 'free' this means that all you pay for is the time you spend online, using local call rates. |
You have the option to take on any of the other packages, including Broadband - the advantage with Broadband is that you can stay online for as long as you want without interfering with your standard telephone line (you can still take calls), and the fee is fixed by contract, so you always know how much it is going to cost.
The major disadvantage to 'dial-up' or the 'pay-as-you-go' packages is that your telephone bill will fluctuate depending upon how long you spend online, plus you cannot make telephone calls while you are online! Having said that, if you are a 'casual' user rather than a hard-line internet user, this may well suit you. If your average phone bill is more than the Broadband package, and Broadband is available in your area, it may be worth considering having it installed. In other words, have a good look at what is on offer before you commit yourself to a package.
Many ISP's offer you multiple e.mail addresses. Virgin offer 5 free e.mail addresses, so you may like to sit down before you go online and choose an e.mail address. Virgin always has a set format for their address that includes a full-stop / period (.) mark.
For example, one of our Virgin addresses is tacticalpanda.websites@virgin.net. You can have firstname.surname@virgin.net if you want, plus 4 others. Bear in mind that if you have a common name (fred.smith@virgin.net - and apologies to all the Fred Smith's out there!), be prepared to have alternatives, Virgin will tell you if you can't have that name!
You will also have to choose a password. Don't use the obvious one's as they will be easy for someone else to guess. Virgin insist that you have at least one number in the password - sound advice. You will also be asked for personal details like your name, postal address and so on. This is quite common and your details will remain secure.
Once you have completed the formalities they will ask you if you would like them to configure your e.mail system for you. If you are unfamiliar with how this is done I would strongly recommend that you let them do it for you automatically.
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Once this has been done, you can open your Outlook Express and check all is okay. Click on 'Tools' and a drop-down box will appear. Click 'Accounts' and another dialogue box will open up detailing your new e.mail account(s).
Try sending an e.mail to yourself to see how it works! |
The next page will demonstrate how you can configure Outlook Express with your new e.mail account.
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