To access "people" so I can send emails, is there an easier way other than clicking on "manage contacts and check their social updates directly from your in box"

I want to access my contacts so I can send emails without having to open three windows.  On hotmail on the left side was "contacts" which I clicked and my contacts came up.  The only way I've been able to get to "people" on outlook is by clicking on the right side of the screen "manage contacts and check their social updates directly from your inbox".  Please tell me if there is an easier and more direct way.

Also below it tells me to select a "forum".  I don't know which one I should select so I selected "microsoft account, hotmail, skydive".  Is this right?  Then it wants me to select a product which I selected "hotmail".  Is this correct?

Then it wants me to select a top.  I selected "contacts, people and groups".  Is this correct?  Please not I also have difficulty signing in to be able to ask a question.  I was going to address this "sign in" another time.  If you can answer is today, it would be great.