Globally Speaking

If you plan to use your regular email address on someone else's computer while you're out of the country — or even just out of town — you should first check with your ISP to make sure that it will be possible. If so, you will need the following information (known as email settings) for access to your email account:

• User name
• Password
• POP account and/or incoming mail server (for receiving messages)
• SMTP address and/or outgoing mail server (for sending messages)
• Encoding method (for attaching files): MIME, BinHex, or UUencode

All of this information is stored in the computer that you use for Internet access at home or in the office. To find your settings, open your email application and locate the appropriate menu tab (usually called Settings, Preferences, Services, or Options). You may also need your Domain Name System (DNS) code if you use TCP/IP protocol for dial-up.

If you have a question about any of these items, consult your user's guide or contact the technical support department of your ISP. Print out your email settings or copy them by hand on a piece of paper — and don't leave home without it!

If you travel with a portable computer that's already set up for the Net, your email settings are already in its memory. All you need to do is learn how to reset your dial-up software so that it can connect to the Internet via a local phone number when you are overseas. In less-developed countries, you may also need to change the modem setting in your Control Panel from tone to pulse.