I have a Hotmail account and I have an Outlook account, and I have Vista.  When I am trying to use links to send an email message, I am confronted with a Windows Live box, displaying my hotmail account, yet I can't send or receive.   I was under the impression that Hotmail was interchangeable with Outlook, yet now I don't seem to be able to access Hotmail at all.  I now find out that Vista does not support Windows Live.  Yet these are important contacts I'm trying to make (as in, finding work).  What is the account that will allow me to get through to the employer using a link (as in Craigslist and my state job board)?
I hope there is an answer, as this is not only frustrating but prevents me from getting work.  Thank you.