- Creating a Microsoft Account
- So I Now Have a Microsoft AccountNow What?
- Using a Microsoft Account in Windows 8
- Leveraging a Microsoft Account with Other Microsoft Online Services
So I Now Have a Microsoft Account…Now What?
Setting up your profile properties is the first thing you should do with your new Microsoft Account. To do this, log into Live.com and then click the small (some would say tiny) profile link in the upper-right corner of the interface. This is labeled A in Figure 3.
Figure 3 The Windows Live account home page
On the Profile page you should spend time configuring your profile metadata. You should also pay particular attention to the privacy settings that are available to you because you don't want to inadvertently overexpose your personal information to the world.
The other notable feature of your personal Microsoft Account page is the top navigation bar, labeled B in Figure 3. We use this navigation element to switch among the core Windows Live Web services:
- Hotmail: Internet e-mail, calendaring, contact management
- Messenger: Instant messaging (IM) chat
- SkyDrive: Cloud-based file storage and access to Office Web Apps (browser-based versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote)
- MSN: Various public Web sites/search portals owned by Microsoft
If you log in to your Microsoft Account from a public computer, please be sure to click sign out before you end your session.