ISPs in Russia and elsewhere

[David Powelstock]

The problem really breaks down into two:

(1) Access to one's existing e-mail account, given that one already has some
kind of internet access in Russia (through a friend's computer, or a
CyberCafe, etc.).  This is always possible one way or another.  A lot of
people seem not to realize that any popmail account can be accessed from any
Web connection.  Kat Tancock's solution is the most elegant.  Certain
Webmail sites will even give you an account for free or, rather, in exchange
for being bombarded by ads on their site.  Kat mentions Hotmail & Yahoo.
There is also Juno.  If none of these suit, try searching for "free e-mail"
on the Web.  Or perhaps another Seelanger has experience with a specific
service.  As Kat suggests, look for a service that allows you to set up
access to your existing account--such access makes you truly independent of
any software or connection limitations, save that you need to have a browser
and internet connection.

(2) Getting internet access.  One can sign up (and pay for!) AT&T Internet
Service(http://www.attbusiness.net/regctr/index.html), but this is only
worthwhile if your friend anticipates wanting physically to link her
computer by modem and phone line to the Net.  This is overkill if all she
wants to do is check & send e-mail from time to time, especially if she
doesn't foresee having a reliable jack to plug into on a regular basis.
CyberCafes charge to use their connections, but these fees only approach
what you would pay for something like ATT when you spend relatively long
hours surfing.  Plus, with CyberCafes, you leave all the connection issues
and hassles to them.

Good luck!
David P.

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