Windows Live Hotmail is the next generation of MSN Hotmail.
The full version of Windows Live Hotmail provides you with 5 GB of inbox storage, security checks on incoming messages, a customizable reading pane, drag-and-drop organization, and more (just like Outlook).
If you haven't already, update your MSN Hotmail to Windows Live Hotmail now.
The Windows Live Channel presents the first in a series of Hotmail basics - today we start from the ground up and show you how to send, reply, customise and save your e-mail.
Creating a new message
Click new to start a message, or select 'Message' from the drop down menu. You can also choose from 'Folder', 'Contact' and 'Group'.
Adding a recipient
To choose a contact from your contact list simply begin typing and Hotmail will automatically complete the address.
When adding multiple contacts to your e-mail, it is good practice to separate each e-mail address with a semi-colon ';'
Alternatively, clicking the 'To' icon will present you with a list of all your contacts.
Select your chosen contact by clicking on their name or e-mail address.
Automatic spell check
Spell checking works in much the same way as a Word document. Spell checking your e-mail is easy; simply right-click on the word indicated by the red line.
Here you can choose to accept the change, add the word to your dictionary or ignore the suggestion.
Formatting your e-mail
Standard formatting tools are present; you can choose to make your text Bold, Italicised or Underlined. Orientation can also be altered by using the 'Align text' buttons.
Adding an attachment
Spice-up your e-mails by adding photos, documents or songs to your messages.
To do this simply click on the paperclip or 'Attach' option.
Navigate to the file you want through the file-browser window.
Sending your e-mail
When you're done, just hit 'Send'.
By default Hotmail doesn't keep a copy of sent messages, but this can be set-up quickly.
Save sent items
You'll need to do a bit of digging to save your messages. Open up the 'Options' menu by clicking on it.
Select 'More options' from the bottom of this tab.
Navigate to the 'Customize your mail' sub-section.
Click on 'Save sent messages'
Your sent messages will now be archived - this is always useful for archival purposes.
View your sent messages by selecting 'Sent' in the navigation pane.
Your messages will appear in the message window.
Replying to an e-mail
When viewing an existing e-mail, select 'Reply' from the navigation pane to create a new message. This saves you from filling in the contact information again, it also contains a copy of the original e-mail for reference.
Protect yourself against e-mail scams with our guide to e-mail safety
