Free Email AccountsIf you have access to a computer with an Internet connection, you have access to hundreds of free email accounts that can be checked from anywhere in the world. Some people choose free email accounts based on the domain name (www.domainname.com), while others choose based on services offered. The most popular free email accounts include www.hotmail.com, gmail.google.com and mail.yahoo.com. The features of each are compared below:
Hotmail
Storage: 2 MB
Spam filter: Yes
Free POP3 availability: Yes
Maximum message size: 1 MB
Yahoo! Mail
Storage: 100 MB
Spam Filter: Yes
Free POP3 availability: No; Only available for paid accounts
Message maximum size: 10 MB
Gmail - Google Mail
Storage: 1 Gig (1,000 MB)
Spam filter: Yes
Free POP3 availability: Not yet available
Other cons: no .exe files can be sent, email content considered to insert relevant ads
The main problems with free email accounts include advertisements are embedded in your messages, email addresses are available to most spammers, some free email accounts are automatically blocked by spam filters, limited space is available for sending, receiving and storing messages, and content of email is scanned.
No matter if you use paid or free email accounts, please consider the lack of privacy in email. Employers many times scan employees' email for content, and many hackers can access any personal account they wish. Do not send any sensitive information by email. You can seek an extra level of security by using encryption software such as PGP. It is a free program for those using it for not-for-profit use. Encryption programs can be cracked, but it keeps those who are casually interested from prying.
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