Hi Al,

Most of the free ISPs don't give you the type of e-mail that resides on your PC (like OutLook). It's stored on their servers and you can only access it using a web browser.

>1. Do you need special access software, and does that interfere with any other
>preconfigured dial-up access with other ISPs?

Some yes, some no. Those that do put you through the advertising blitz. Kind of like AOHell.

>2. Can you access e-mail accounts other than those of the free ISP?
-I've tried and the answer is - yes, but receiving only. They block the normal SMTP ports for sending e-mail. Most of the time though, you can receive your mail by changing to your pop-3 server.

3. Realistically, can you get a connection at the local access number(s)?
-IME, yes.

4. Any other limitations/restrictions/gotchas/comments?
-Yep, it's a PITA maintaining mulitple e-mail accounts. More of a pain than it's worth. If all you want to do is surf, then it's fine.

That's My $.02.

-Matt