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.
Be respectful, keep it clean and stay on topic. We delete comments that violate our policy, which we encourage you to read. Discussion threads can be closed at any time at our discretion.