Will receiving large attachments eat up all my disk space?

I am still a novice and do not even know how to download an email program. So I just have Verizon.net and Hotmail. I put the log in page in my favorites and then just to go favorites, get them in and put in my info. It is fast, do I need an email program such as outlook express, Thunderbird or whatever?

I'm less concerned about using a program than I am about relying on Hotmail. If your email is not important to you, then Hotmail and other free services are fine. If, however, the thought of losing your email, possibly through no fault of your own, is a problem - then I strongly recommend getting and/or using a "real" email account. You may already have one through verizon. In that case, then, yes - using an email program that downloads your email and manages your contacts like Thunderbird or Outlook is the way to go. Along with an appropriate backup strategy that keeps you in control when (not if) something happens. This article has more: http://ask-leo.com/are_free_email_services_worth_it.html

I've been on hotmail for I don't know how many years. Before they were MS. I think I was within the first million or so to get an account. I'm not saying their service has always been perfect but I've never randomly lost a piece of mail. Is this really a common problem? Sure, anything can happen but it sounds like your saying don't drive because you might have a wreck...

A couple of years ago, I would have agreed with you. My hotmail account dates to just after MS acquired it, and like you, I've never had a problem.

Then I started Ask Leo!

I get more questions relating to problems, lost access, lost emails and lost contacts for HotMail than for any other free service.

For all the free services, there is no support. Many people are using them improperly ... they're *relying* on them to keep critial information or critical contacts. Then, if there is a problem, there's nowhere to turn and that critical information is simply lost, with no recourse.

Hence I harp on not using free accounts, any free accounts, as the sole repository or sole email address for anything truly important. Get an account with some provider that includes support. It's worth it.

But the track record of incoming questions and problems is definitely disproportionately HotMail.

Dear Leo: Everytime I go to close out, a page
appears from Outlook Express suggesting
I check the OK in order to compress
disk space. I've been cancelling this
option, thinking, that it gives them
opportunity of viewing all my data.

Appreciate your input, John

No, no one's interested in viewing all your data, but I have hear of compression causing people other problems such as data loss. I personally never compact, or only do so after I've completely backed up and then do it manuall.

Hallow.... try to send something more usfull... its alwayes the same news .

how do i get my old emails put on a disc to save