Hotmail from Microsoft is the world's most famous online e-mail service. They provide fast, secure Web mail access from anywhere in the world and include a range of features ideal for managing contacts, so if you use MSN Messenger, Hotmail is the perfect companion. Anti-virus, "mail bomb" and spam (junk mail) filters also contribute to the on-going success of this provider. > Hotmail provides 25MB e-mail storage space upon sign up, but will increase your limit to 250MB after 30 days. You are now able to send files or photo attachments up to 10MB in size. > UK visitors may register a "@hotmail.co.uk" address to signify their country of origin. > Hotmail's junk mail filter is effective but occasionally processes legitimate e-mails as spam. To combat this, enter contacts into your Hotmail address book and check the junk mail folder regularly. - Read more

This free Web-mail service provided by the portal "Lycos" offers free spam (junk mail) protection, 3GB storage space, free virus checking, basic text editing tools (font changer, etc.), and has no limits on file attachment sizes. Another useful feature is the domain and address blocker, ideal for when you wish to prevent someone from contacting you. > Like most free e-mail accounts, the content of a Lycos Mail free account will be deleted if the owner does not log in and check their messages at least once every 30 days. > UK visitors may register a "@lycos.co.uk" address here, however, the storage space is 300MB. - Read more

Provides an online e-mail service with extra security features. You can send e-mail to any person with an address but to take advantage of their high 1024 bit encryption, your recipient must also have a HushMail account. After the recent hiccup with "Hotmail hackers", you should seriously consider this if handling important e-mail. HushMail is robust, solid and reliable. - Read more

This service allows you to securely access your POP3 e-mail inbox from anywhere in the world. Ideal for when you're on the move (or when you need to access your messages remotely), mail2web functions very much like any other Web mail interface, and allows you to send mail, forward, compose and even delete messages on the fly. They also support WAP compatible mobile phone access. - Read more

Mail.com (as used to power Lycos and numerous other services) offers a free personalised e-mail service that is private and accessible from anywhere. You can choose from a variety of domain names and because this service is password protected, only you will have access to your account. If you share a computer, their secure log-out function will protect your messages. - Read more

Postmaster is a solid and reliable free e-mail service, allowing people to access messages from anywhere in the world. It claims to be Britain's largest provider and includes many features, such as password protection, address books, attachments and mail filtering. The service also allows you to send voice e-mail messages. Addresses are: yourname@postmaster.co.uk. - Read more

This site provides a solid free e-mail service with 250MB storage space and integrated spam (junk mail) filtering. Using Bluebottle, you can access your e-mails either via a Web browser, by IMAP, or by POP3 (using any e-mail client you choose). Along with these advanced functions, Bluebottle also allows you to manage folders and set up address verification lists. - Read more

SoftHome is one of the more popular providers of completely free POP-based accounts and although their site is far from pretty, they do provide a solid and reliable service. If you register here, your e-mail address at SoftHome will be: yourusername@softhome.net and servers: pop.SoftHome.net / smtp.SoftHome.net, where you can substitute SMTP for your ISP's server. Note: unfortunately SoftHome will no longer be offering a POP service on their "free" accounts, although Web mail access will remain active on both "free" and "professional" accounts. - Read more

"The free e-mail service that's loaded with benefits" is what MyRealBox claims to be. On visiting this site for the first time, we were extremely impressed with their clean design and range of features offered; particularly the ability to access your inbox directly from the Web and through your favourite POP or IMAP email program. It's certainly one of the best free services we've seen. Note: MyRealBox is currently not accepting any new sign-ups. - Read more

A great free e-mail service, providing a massive 5GB space, with Web mail, POP3 access, spam protection and a host of other useful features. Please note, however, that the 5GB offer is only valid for U.S., Canada and UK residents (2GB is allocated for other locations). Inbox.com also offers a free online calendar service and an online photo album, so you can share pictures with family and friends. - Read more