The Computer Help Center - Switch To Internet Explorer

Use Microsoft Outlook Express and Internet Explorer, No Matter Which Internet Service Provider You Use

You are not stuck using your internet service provider's email program or internet browser. You can instead use the programs that probably came bundled on your Windows computer, i.e. Outlook Express or Outlook for email, and Internet Explorer for internet browsing.

Using these programs gives you the advantage of familiarity since you probably have used them before when you had dial up service or perhaps you used them where you work.

It also makes it easier to get help when you are using the same programs that so many other people use.

The biggest benefit (Shameless Plug Alert) is that you can use all the tips and tricks we send in our newsletters from The Computer Help Center.

To use either of these programs, you will need the incoming server information (POP3) and the outgoing server information (SMTP) which you received from your internet service provider. This information may be written on your receipt or on the set up material you received.

To set up Outlook Express, just open the program and select Accounts from the Tools menu. A Wizard will open, and you will just keep filling in the information requested and clicking the Next button until you are done.

If you also use a free email account like mail.com, myway.com or gmail.com, you can set up your computer’s email program to check the free email’s for you as well. Look for instructions at the website where you signed up for the free email.

You will notice that I did not mention Yahoo!, or Hotmail. I really don’t recommend you use them. Because of the widespread fraud, many servers block emails from these companies.

Internet Explorer comes with every Windows computer and its easy to set up.

Open Internet Explorer, and select Internet Options from the Tools menu.

Then click on the Connections tab. You will see a Set Up button and when you click on that, a Wizard will open and guide you through the process.

Remember, you can have more than one browser or email program set up on your computer. Because I write tips for computer users, I have both Outlook and Outlook Express on my computer. Just one will be set as your default program.

Although I primarily use Internet Explorer, I also have the Netscape browser set up so I can be familiar with both.

Mary Austin is the editor of the Bestbytes Bulletin, which brings computer tips, tricks and tutorials right to your email. Subscribe: www.thecomputerhelpcenter.com

How To Switch To Microsoft Programs For Email and Internet Browsing