I Changed My Outlook On Email...
Written: Apr 22 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: easy to use, free w/ windows, stationary,
Cons: opens attachments automatically, MSN messanger
The Bottom Line: An email program that makes everything seem so simple.
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| fallyn96's Full Review: Microsoft Outlook Express |
I used to be an avid Juno user until a few months ago, when I began experiencing difficulties with their service. Because I already had a Pop3 account with our ISP (Netzero), I decided to try Microsoft's Outlook Express, which was already installed on our computer.
Outlook has some pretty neat options, and is very user friendly. It also comes with Windows, which means that I didn't have to go out and purchase or download the software- it was already there.
Because my previous email provider had their own viewing software, it did take some time to get used to using Outlook. I don't know how many times I accidentally tried deleting a folder because the folder was highlighted, and not the message. I did have some difficulty setting it up, but with the help of my ISP, I figured it out fairly quickly.
What features does Outlook have that I like? First off, Outlook can be set to check email periodically, as long as it's open. I have mine set for every five minutes, because I'm often chatting with someone through email. To set this up, you go to the Tools button in the file menu, then click on Options. Under the General tab, there's a place where you can set how often it checks your mail, if at all. From the Options menu, you can also set things like which stationary you want to use when sending new mail, your reply options, and signature lines.
Another very helpful feature of Outlook is the Message Rules. Message rules will move your incoming mail to certain folders, essentially sorting through your inbox. I have my mail go to different folders so that it's easier to read- and I can go through the junk mail that is sent to my inbox. Along the same lines as this, is also the block sender function. I use this to block people from certain email addresses. What's nice about it is, if you decide to read the email later- it's only been sent to your Deleted items folder. You can still access the message- but only if you choose to.
To set up Message rules and the Block sender function, you need to do two different things. Under Tools, you click on the Message Rules button. Then you select whether it's for mail, newsgroups, or your blocked sender list. Under mail, you would then see a tabbed pop up. To add a rule, you just click on New on the right hand side. You then select which rule you want the program to follow- for instance, I want all of my mail from my ABC mailing list to go to the folder, ABC Mail. I would then select the option, Where the subject line contains specific words, and then I would select the option from the box below, move it to the specified folder. When these are selected, I would then click on the links in the bottom box, and type in 'ABC' for the words that I want Outlook to look for, and then hit 'Ok.' I would then click on the folder link in that same bottom part, and choose the folder 'ABC Mail' or create one if it doesn't exist. Click 'Ok' again, and then one more time- and viola! You've just created your first Message Rule!
To block senders, you can do this from the same tabbed screen, or just click on the block senders list link under message rules under tools. You then click 'Add', type in the email address, and then select whether it's mail or newgroup or both, and click 'Ok,' and then that person is blocked from your email. You can also do this while reading mail- it's much simpler. You highlight the message from the sender who you wish to block, then under the Message option, you click on the 'block sender' link. You'll get a confirmation pop up, which also asks if you wish to remove all mail from that sender to the deleted items folder.
Another thing about Outlook that I like is the stationary. Most email programs offer something like it, but Outlook stationary is, well, different. I've seen them with special cursors, midi files, scrolling screens, etc. Outlook Express comes with some stationary- but it's pretty boring. You can download more from Microsoft's website, but again, it's pretty boring. You can also search for stationary sites out there- and there are tons- that have just the best stationary. Some of the people who run these sites will also create personal stationary for you- if you ask first of course. You can also create your own using Outlook. It's easy to do- just go to the Options button under Tools, and select the Compose tab. There you will see, half way down, a button that says 'Create New.' This will take you to the stationary wizard. You can use your own pictures, your own colors, fonts and backgrounds. This is a very simple way to make stationary, and I have yet to learn how to make the scrolling/musical ones.
So what exactly is wrong with Outlook? First off, it opens attachments automatically. This can be very dangerous. I don't mind that it does this, because it makes my life easier. Because of this, I began using a program that checks all of my incoming and outcoming mail for viruses- before I open the mail. To get this program- go to http://www.grisoft.com.
I also do not like the way that MSN messanger was attached to this program. I don't use it, never will, but can't get rid of it. I feel that it is bad enough that Outlook Express comes with Windows, but why attach something else to that program? It's just one of the reasons why Microsoft isn't liked very much.
So, do I recommend this program? Yes, I do. From newcomers to email, to those who have been around awhile, Outlook Express is a great program that let's you do the simplest tasks, as well as performing the most difficult with ease.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
fallyn96
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Member: Tracey
Location: Illinois
Reviews written: 263
Trusted by: 104 members
About Me:
Insanity is hereditary. You get it from your kids.
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