HTS Tech Tips

Computer Tips, Insights, and Technology News

Using Microsoft Outlook to Access A Yahoo Mail or Gmail Account

By

Question:   I want to sign up for a free email account such as Yahoo Mail, Microsoft Hotmail or Google Gmail but I want to access my account through Microsoft Outlook. Can I do this?

Answer:   Yes, you can access email accounts from Yahoo Microsoft and Google through Outlook. However you may need to upgrade your Yahoo account to do this.  Upgrading the free account will cost you in the neighborhood of $20 per year and provide you with what is known as POP access so that you can access your mail with email software such as Outlook, Outlook Express, or Eudora.

Another alternative is switching your email account to Gmail which is an email service from Google. Gmail has a good user interface, provides POP3 access, and gives you 2.5 GB of online storage. On top of those features it is Free! To get a Gmail account go to google.com and click on the “More” link above the search box. Locate the “Communicate, Show & Share” section and click on Gmail.

Be sure to see our other post on Gmail  shortcuts – Gmail – 45 Timesaving Keyboard Shortcuts.

Share

Email Techniques: Using “bcc:” Instead of “cc:”

By

Question:  I want to send an email to several people but I have security concerns and do not want to share everyone’s email address. Can I do this?

Answer:  Yes. Your email security concerns are quite valid and there is a simple solution to this. Most email programs allow you to include recipients as either a carbon copy, “cc:” or as a blind carbon copy or “bcc:”

The difference between the two is that recipients see all addresses that are listed as the “cc:” recipients but they do NOT see who is included on the “bcc:” list.  So rather than including everyone in the “To” field or in the “cc:” field you can just put your own email address in the “To” field and then include all the recipients as blind carbon copy or “bcc:” entries.

Everyone will then get the email but will not be able to see who else received the message. And if they do a “Reply All” the reply will only go to you. Much better email and computer security all the way around.

Share