Email domain?

[NJOK]

I've changed my internet ISP to sky and now can't use my old email address (it was btopenworld) on Outlook. I can receive email but not send. The server no longer recognises my login. Firstly, is this right?

Secondly, how do I go about getting a permanent address of my own? Do I buy a domain name? If so, how? And how easy is it to set up email accounts from it - I'm not interested in creating a web page or anything, just the email.

Thanks.

[Ethel]

If you change ISP you lose your email address - unless you pay an extra fee to retain it.

Use a web based email like gmail - then it doesn't matter who your ISP is.

https://mail.google.com/mail/help/intl/en-GB/about.html

Gmail is particular easy to use, and also has a mail fetcher so works like outlook.

[rojash]

I'm surprised that you're surprised! After all, you used to pay BT Openworld for this service, and now you pay Sky instead - why would you expect BT to continue to provide the service? Very shortly, you will stop receiving e-mails as well.

As Ethel says, you could get a webmail accout, but there are some disadvanatges to using webmail accounts such as yahoo, hotmail and google. Many e-commerce sites, mailing lists, etc., will not accept such addresses because they are essentially anonymous. You could buy a domain name very cheaply, and either use that e-mail account, or redirect it to a webmail account. Just google "Buy domain".

[NJOK]

Thanks.

And don't be surprised. I'm freakishly inept at computing.

[Buenchico]

An alternative to GMail is to set up an account with Gawab. They offer a free e-mail service which can be accessed either through the web or via an e-mail client (such as Outlook).

I've opened dozens of free accounts with them. (If I ever give an e-mail address on AB, it's probably one I created just for a few people to contact me on. The next time I post an address, it will be different).

To create an account, go here:
http://www.gawab.com/webfront/main.php

Start by clicking 'More countries & cities' and choose a domain name which you like. (My accounts are usually '@gawab.com' or '@alex4all.com' but there are plenty to choose from). Then just follow the rest of the instructions. When you've worked your way through them, you'll have a new, free account which you can access via the web. Then go here to learn how to set up Outlook, so that you can use it to send & receive your mail, instead of (or as well as) the web-based access:
http://www.gawab.com/webfront/main.php?doc=fea tures_pop

Chris