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E-Mail is one of the most frequently used Internet components. To perform this task we have an Internet Service Provider (ISP). The provider sees to it that we have appropriate credentials in our "username" and "password. Part of our Internet setup is an arrangement for in-coming and out-going mail. We are also given some choice of software communication program so that we may send and receive E-Mail and to attach pictures, voice recordings, or other type of programs as desired. We use this frequently and take for granted the identification, software and provider's separate server that allows us to perform these functions.
At home we enjoy this with facility. When we travel to another location our "Provider" frequently has another local number we can call to access the mail program. Others have "roaming" similar to what is used with an airphone. If the "provider" is national this is accomplished without difficulty.
Recently I traveled to Ecuador and tried to obtain and send E-Mail. With my limited fluency in Spanish I had great difficulty even though both Internet Explorer and Netscape Communicator were both on the computer I attempted to use. At various steps in my attempted E-Mail usage I was continually asked for some form of identification. As a last resort the attendant signed on and allowed me to use his identity to send a message home that I was all right. One can not utilize E-Mail incognito, one must have an identity to send or pick up E-Mail.
This can be accomplished by utilizing one of the many E-Mail packages available on the Web. I signed up for "Hotmail" (hotmail.com). Therefore when I have access to any computer anywhere in the world, I type in the URL (address) for Hotmail. Once on Hotmail, I sign in to my previously registered user name and password. I then can access my E-Mail form my home ISP or send E-Mail because I now have an identity (username and password). Be sure to let Hotmail know to bring up your messages but to not delete them from your home server so that you know they are always available to you when you are at your home base.
When on the road or out of the country you can access or send E-Mail via one of the many free E-Mail programs on the Web (Hotmail is one). This gives you an identity and will recognize you to utilize this valuable technique.
If you have comments or suggestions, email me at amangino@sbhcs.com
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