Yahoo! is so much more than just a mail service, and the other aspects are just as important, since the combination of reasons is why I consider Yahoo! to be my internet right arm, so to speak. So, in order to give you a better overview of the benefits and drawbacks of Yahoo!, here is a quick rundown of some of its many features.
Yahoo! Mail--Yahoo! Mail is one of the number one free email services. It is a POP mail system, which means that it is compatible with many of the personal mail software programs and instant messengers, such as Outlook, Outlook Express, and AIM. Also, unlike MSN’s Hotmail email service, Yahoo! Does not sell your personal information, so you do not find yourself receiving massive amounts of spam each day unless you, for some unknown reason, request it. Yahoo! Mail gives you a generous 6 megabytes of storage space, with more available for purchase, and has no limits on how many different email addresses you may have.
Yahoo! Companion--Yahoo! Companion is an element to incorporate into your browser. It takes up a narrow strip of space at the top of your browser window and is fully customizable, with a Yahoo! Search box, stock ticker, and access to all the Yahoo! Features you would ever need.
Yahoo! Messenger--Yahoo! Messenger is my instant messenger program of choice. I also have AOL instant messenger and ICQ, but I have found that Yahoo! Messenger has a much faster response time, is easier to use, and more fully customizable. The talk feature is superb, as it allows you to vocally converse with buddies with no delays or interruptions, and also has the option of making computer to telephone calls.
Yahoo! Clubs--I spend a lot of time at Yahoo! Clubs (one of them is a Mouthshut.com club, as a matter of fact.) If you have any hobbies, interests, passions, or curiosities, Yahoo! Clubs is an excellent place to meet likeminded people and expand your mind, or just make friends and have fun.
Yahoo! Can be a very useful internet tool when utilized properly. In addition to my favorite features above, Yahoo! Also offers you free web space to build your own websites at Yahoo! Geocities, has many games and chat rooms, several avenues for shopping, and many tools like yellow and white pages, career information, personal portfolios, calendars, and more.