Answer:

Create a Web-based E-Mail Account

1. Connect to the Internet on the computer in your library, ie. MILWAUKEE PUBLIC LIBRARY

2. On the opening screen, click on REFERENCE RESOURCES

3. On this page, click on COMPUTERS & INTERNET

4. Scroll down the page a bit and click on FREE EMAIL ACCOUNT PROVIDERS

5. Choose a provider by clicking on the name - and follow the steps to open your free account.

Once you have opened an account, you are ready to log in to your account (with your user name and password) and begin to Read, Write and Send messages. Web-based e-mail stores all messages on a mail server - not the computer you are physically using. Most provide a convenient "address book" which lets you store your contacts online. You can send messages with attachments, organize them in folders, save drafts, and customize signatures.

Web-based e-mail accounts are normally free - because they contain advertisements - but if you can get past that and take the time to open an account, you are all set. When you are finished, remember to log off, so that the next person using the computer does not have access to your mailbox. Just like unlocking a post office box and locking it when you are finished.

For genealogists, it is a great and economical way to search for that 'missing link' 24 hours a day. Use the library's Internet access to place the query, and web-based e-mail to check for responses - at least once a month. In addition, Members, remember to send a message to Karla so you can be included in our MCGS mailing list.

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