How do I set up a Yahoo mail account?

Communicating and sending information through email is becoming more widespread than ever before. There are a number of different email service providers, the largest of which is Yahoo. Yahoo Mail, which began in 1996, has millions of customers around the globe. The ability to filter spam, easily send and receive files, and customize messages with emoticons and different colors makes Yahoo mail a popular option for many people.

Setting up a Yahoo mail account is free and easy to do. First, go to www.yahoo.com, and follow the link that says "free mail - sign up." From there, you will then do the following:

1. Create your Yahoo ID. This section will have you fill in your first and last name, gender, and then a username and password. Your username will be your new email address. Many people choose their name, or a variation of it. It's important to remember, however, that many of these names will be taken, so you can add variation to it, such as numbers that mean something. Keep trying until you get the one you want. It's important to keep in mind as well the image you want to portray; if you will be using your email address to send resumes to employers or emails to people you don't know very well, funny or crude names and inside jokes don't necessarily portray a positive or mature image.
2. Create your password. Once you've entered in your new username, you can then create your password. This should be something that is not easily guessed. Hackers can easily hack into accounts when your password is a birth date or consecutive numbers, like1234. Avoid using your name, birth date, or other identifiable numbers. Instead, choose a combination of letters, dates, or words that will be easy for you to remember but difficult for anyone to guess.
3. Next, choose a security question. If you happen to forget your password, you can send an email to the administrator and have them retrieve it for you. A drop down list will give you a number of options for questions, including "What is your pet's name?" and "What was the make of your first car?" Once you have decided on a question, fill in the answer in the space below.
4. Next, you will verify your registration by filling in a series of letters and numbers, which helps to prevent automated registrations in your name.
5. The final step will be reading and then agreeing to the Terms of Service. which tells you what you are agreeing to do and not to do with your hotmail account. It's important to read over this agreement carefully, as checking the box holds you liable for the information you agreed to. In addition, you will be agreeing to receive required notices from Yahoo via your new address as well.
6. Once you have entered in the above information and checked "I agree" after the service agreement, you will now be able to begin using your new Yahoo account.

The sign up page is easy to understand and follow, and you will be prompted to reenter any wrong information. Your Yahoo mail address also serves as your username to access other Yahoo services and features, such as chat rooms, message boards, and a number of others.