Hotmail log in: How to create a Hotmail email? Should you opt for Gmail instead?

Hotmail recently became Outlook in a major update to the email platform’s interface, refreshing the dated aesthetic. Microsoft’s Outlook is now the world’s second most popular email service, second only to Google’s Gmail. But with online security an increasing concern, some Outlook users are wondering whether they should switch to Gmail – here is what you need to know.

While Hotmail continues to be used by millions around the world, it is no longer possible to create new Hotmail accounts.

However, Microsoft Outlook provides a similar experience to the email service that made Hotmail so popular.

You can only create a Microsoft Outlook account on the Outlook website as this feature is not possible with the Outlook mobile app.

Begin by opening the Microsoft Outlook website and select Create Account.

Next, type your preferred email name into the New Email text field.

You can choose between @outlook.com or @hotmail.com by clicking the downward-facing arrow on the right side of the New email.

You then need to enter a password – make sure your password includes a combination of letters and numbers and is impossible to guess.

Uncheck the Send Me Promotional Emails if you do not wish to receive product offers from Microsoft.

Your personal details will need to be entered, including your first and last name.

Your country and region will then to be added, using the drop-down box – Outlook will usually automatically detect and fill in this information for you.

Enter the verification code visible in the list of distorted letters and numbers in a box in the middle of the page and type the contents of the box into the “Enter the characters you see” text field.

Then, as long as you correctly entered the verification code, clicking Next will create your account and take you to the Outlook tutorial.

How to keep Gmail secure?

With all types of information traveling between its users, security and privacy are of utmost importance.

Google’s privacy policy states: “We work hard to protect Google and our users from unauthorised access to or unauthorised alteration, disclosure or destruction of information we hold.”

A strong password should be your first line of defence when protecting your email account.

In addition to using strong passwords, enable the two-step verification feature, also known as the two-factor authentication, in your Gmail account.

Two-step verification means that when signing into Gmail account using your username and password, a code is then sent to your mobile phone via a text message that you must enter.

Within Gmail, you can access a step-by-step checklist to ensure your account is secure.

This checklist helps you verify your security settings and check your recovery information, connected devices and account permissions.

To ensure all data between your browser and Gmail are encrypted, you can enable HTTPS security.

To do this, you simply go into your settings and choose the General tab.

Click the Browser connection option and ensure there is a checkmark next to “Always use HTTPS.”

source: express.co.uk