In order to send/receive e-mail directly from your computer, you need an "e-mail client", that is, a program designed for this purpose.  Internet Explorer and Netscape Communicator have e-mail clients built into their programs, but you may wish to choose a different or second method.

note:  This section is written in "non-techi" terms , as the purpose of E-mail 101 is primarily to help new users.

There are two basic types of e-mail most commonly used among Windows 95/98 users - POP3 and web-based.  Very simply, a POP3 account is like having the mail delivered to your house (inbox); web-based requires that you go to the "post office" (an Internet address) to pick it up.  They both have their advantages and disadvantages; it is very common for people to use both POP3 and web-based e-mail.

From personal use, I would recommend one or more of the e-mail clients that are listed below.  All the programs are free in their basic forms (which are adequate for most users), and most contain adequate "help" files. 

Outlook Express (which can be used as part of Microsoft's Internet Explorer or stand-alone).  Outlook is also available as part of the Microsoft Office Package, and offers quite a bit more than "just email".

Netscape Internet Mail (which is part of Netscape Navigator/Communicator version 4.5),

HotMail is a free email service tied in with msn.  It is required that you have a HotMail account (a passport) to join the web communities section of msn (a chat/messageboard/photo album *very* cool service - and free!!).  HotMail is unique because it combines the features of a web based email account with your pop3 Outlook Express 5.0, so that you don't have to go to the website to access your mail.