The most popular use of the Internet is for e-mail, or electronic mail.  There are two general types of e-mail, POP3 and web based.

If you are using a school, internet service provider, employer or other POP3 service from a domain not controlled by you, you SHOULD get a web based e-mail service.  Want to know why?

Very simply, POP3 e-mail is like having the mail delivered to your house (inbox).  In general, to have a POP3 account you need to have your own Internet connection, your own domain name, or have someone who has a domain name, like an employer, provide you a POP3 e-mail account. Some type of e-mail software is usually installed on a computer to send and receive POP3 e-mail.

With few exceptions, web-based e-mail requires that you go to the "post office" (an Internet address) to pick it up.  With web-based e-mail,

• You can access your e-mail from any computer that has Internet access as long as you know your account name and password.  No special software is required.
• Supposedly, it's an account you can use "for life" - move, change your Internet provider, and your web based e-mail address is still valid.  Note:  This will only be true as long as the free e-mail provider is in business, so you need to choose carefully.
• Your identity may be more "anonymous" if you so choose using a Web Based service rather than your Internet Provider e-mail address, particularly if your Internet Provider is local, and you do not list your account in a directory.
• To keep your account active, it may be required that you sign in to your e-mail account periodically (every 60 days for example).  Most providers offer reasonable storage limits, and may offer free or upgraded services beyond basic e-mail.

They both have their advantages and disadvantages; it is very common for people to use both POP3 and web-based e-mail.

Many of the services the Internet offers requires that the user provide a valid e-mail address.