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Outlook Express 6
Price: Free

Features
Performance
Ease of use
Overall

Reviewed By: Robert Irvine

This review updated: 05/08/2004
Featured in magazine:
Issue 89
Manufacturer Contacts:
Web Address: www.microsoft.com/windows/oe


If you use Windows, this program is almost certainly installed on your computer already, though it's not the be-all and end-all of email software. Even Microsoft now seems to favour its Office-integrated Outlook package, though this will set you back about £80.

For a free program, Outlook Express does a great job of sending, receiving and organising email and newsgroup messages. Its plain but highly functional interface makes reading new mail as simple as possible, while flexible Message Rules sort messages swiftly into folders. Add to this a tightly-integrated Address Book, which can be used to create mailing groups, plus the ability to download and read web mail, and all your basic email needs are covered.

OE certainly can't compare with the likes of IncrediMail in terms of frills to decorate your email, but does have a few tricks up its sleeve. You can use HTML stationery to add backgrounds to your messages, insert pictures and sounds, and attach signatures and business cards. The program also supports encryption and digital signing.

More Email software reviews:

• Thunderbird 2
• Pegasus Mail v4.41
• i.Scribe 1.89
• Mulberry v4.08
• Windows Live Mail