How to set up an email account for older people
Email is a great way for older people to keep in touch with family and friends. Email allows you to send messages and photographs instantly, without needing a stamp or pen and paper. Many older people believe setting up an email account is complicated, but it is really very simple.
How to set up an email address
You need to access the internet and set up your own unique email
address. There are many websites offering free email accounts, such as Google, Yahoo, AOL and Hotmail. online.
When you visit one of these website , you will see an option to
register a new account. You need to fill in a few personal details to keep your account more secure. Any information recorded by the email providers will be kept confidential and cannot be disclosed to third parties without your permission, so email details remain private.
The address you choose will have two parts to it: your user name and
the domain name of the provider, which are separated by @ symbol e.g. [email protected]
How to choose a user name
You can choose any user name you like as long as no-one else has chosen it already. If they have, you need to add numbers or letters to make it unique to you, like [email protected] in the above example.
The domain name always stays the same depending on the provider chosen.
How to choose a password
Choose a password you can remember, but which is not too easy. Passwords with a combination of upper and lower case letters and numbers work best. It is a good idea to change your password regularly. Keep your password private.
Read more about protecting your password here
Email security
When you log in to check your email or to write a message, you will be asked to type in your email address and your password, unless you have saved these details so they come up automatically. Never save these details on a shared computer, as other people can the access your email account. This helps keep your account private and secure.
Don’t give your email address out to anyone you don’t want to contact you, as you may
end up receiving unwanted junk mail.
How to send an email
Once you have logged into your email account with your email address and password, you will be able to read your message and choose to send messages to others.
- Type the email address of the person you want to send an email to into the box at the top marked ‘To’
- Create a title for your messag
- In the large box underneath, type in your message
- When you have finished writing your message, click on the button marked ‘Send’ and your message will be sent over the internet
You might find that ads and other unwanted emails start appearing in your Inbox. If ever you are unsure about a message, delete it rather than click on it. If it is a scam email and you click on it, it can give the sender access to your email addresses and they can in turn send spam to all your contacts, send you more spam and possibly create a virus in your computer. It is always better just to block them or delete them if you are ensure.
Read more about how to stay safe online here
