Thank you all very much for the input.

Now -- after I look up SMTP, POP3, and other dimly recognized terms from my past -- I need to go to www.cnet.com to look for reviews, comparisons, or user comments on these and similar programs.

I currently don't have mail software on my computer. I used Outlook while at DoJ, but I understand that is a fertile source of intrusion attempts. (I will certainly check the security aspect out, too.) Also, I may be changing ISPs, and want to be able to get my e-mail from anywhere. Hence my preference for web-based e-mail.

This does seem like something many travellers would have experience in, though I understand even more have Outlook or its competitors installed when they buy their machines.