>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

Matt,

Thanks for the feedback. It sounds like there aren't any compelling reasons to *not* give them a try.