Internet Guide - Tips for Free Email
The library does not offer its own email service, but there are many sites on the Internet which offer free email accounts. Here's what to do:
Select an email service
We've got a list of the more popular free email services in our Internet Guide.
Look for the sign-up link
Somewhere on the page you'll find a link that reads something like Sign Up, New to [provider]?, New Account, etc.
Fill out the form
Every site is different, so follow the directions carefully. Here's an example of a registration form, from Yahoo. (Note: A common feature of these forms is a colored asterisk (*) or other character indicating which fields are mandatory. Make sure to complete these fields in the form.)
Choose a user name
Every email account will ask you to choose a user name (or "username," sometimes referred to as an "ID," "screen name," or "login name"). Your user name will most often also become the first half of your email address (for example - if your user name on Yahoo is "rjones449," your email address will be "rjones449@yahoo.com").
Most sites have rules about the makeup of your user name (for example - "ID may consist of a-z, 0-9, and underscores"). The more unique you make this name, the more likely no one else has chosen it already. You can use a combination of letters and numbers. Some examples:
dot2dot85 | chill_e_dog | gr8grandma | njones35
If the name you select is already taken, you will be prompted to make another selection. Try adding letters or numbers, or make up an entirely new user name.
Choose a password
This can be any word or combination of letters and numbers that you can easily remember but that no one else can guess.
Many sites have rules about the makeup and length of passwords (for example - "must be 8 or more characters and include letters and numbers"). A good, secure password uses a mix of letters and numbers and does not use any personally identifiable information.
Write down or print out your user name, password, and email provider's website
You'll only need to register once, but you'll need your user name, password, and email provider's website to send and receive emails later.
Check your email online
You can do this from any computer with Internet access. Here's what to do:
- Go to your email provider's website
- Type in your user name
- Type in your password
- Click on the sign in button (or log in, go, etc.)
You can now send and receive messages!
Follow the directions on your email provider's website (just about every site has a "Help" link if you get stuck).
