When Web e-mail goes down, it seems to happen at the most inopportune times. We've all become so dependent on Gmail, Hotmail, Yahoo Mail, and other Web e-mail services, that even a minute of down time can make us anxious. Is it really down, though? Here's how to check:
Gmail
Google provides a comprehensive service status page that not only shows the status of Gmail, but other Google Apps services as well. To check Gmail's status, go to https://www.google.com/appsstatus.
Hotmail
The Windows Live service status page shows the status of Hotmail, as well as Messenger, SkyDrive, and others. To check Hotmail's status, go to https://status.live.com
Yahoo Mail
Yahoo does not have a public service status page that we know of. However, there is a Web site called downforeveryoneorjustme.com that can be used to check if Yahoo Mail is down. To use it, go to the shortened URL, http://www.isup.me and enter "mail.yahoo.com" into the box and hit Enter on your keyboard.
That's it. Bookmark these links so that the next time you think your e-mail provider is having problems, you can verify that it's them and not your own computer or Internet connection.
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