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Which is the best Email Client?

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by medman

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I have been using AOL for years and have finally got fed up as they have been losing 30% of my email over the last month and simply will not admit it is their fault. I have set up my own domain with oneandone who also provide me with 3 POP3 mailboxes and an outgoing SMTP server. So, I have some nice new addresses and some mailboxes which leaves two decisions: which ISP to use to get on line and which Mail Client to use to send and receive email.

I have plenty of time to decide upon which ISP to use as I am still using AOL to log on. However, the question of which Mail Client to use is urgent. I have played about a bit with Outlook Express over the years so using that would be the easiest. However, I am worried that most viruses, worms etc seem to be written to work with OE so would I be best to avoid it?

I am wondering about Outlook, but is it not also vulnerable to viruses etc? Is it not also fairly big and clunky given that I only want email, not any sort of time management. (I am retired) On the other hand, I shall be using several email addresses to keep my mail in order so perhaps Outlook would be a good choice?

I am wondering to about Eudora and Pegasus. As I know nothing about these, any comments would be most helpful.

With thanks in advance.

6 replies

by compgirlfhredi

I can relate to your dilemma wholeheartedly. Just 2 days ago I finally settled on ONE ISP.(have had 5 so far this year)
In as the email program is concerned, ANY email client is not vulnerable,persay, but YOUR actions are pertinent. In other words, don't accept email from unknown sources with attachments and definetely do not open them if you were not expecting them. When in doubt, don't open! I generally have AVG scan them even when I am sure of the person sending them. Better to be safe than sorry.
I have used OE, Outlook, The Bat, Incredimail, Pegasus, Eudora, etc. And ya know what? I always seem to come back to OE. Even Outlook does not open attached files now and I just tell people to export it to OE. I have 15 email POP accounts with the smae ISP, and OE and I have NEVER had a problem or question or a glitch that I couldn't fix or figure out within 15 minutes. If its 'frills' ya want, well it has Stationary. A personalized signature and/or picture, etc.
If all you want is email, and you have had such a hard time with AOL, and you already know a lil bout OE, why cause yourself MORE headaches? Enjoy a little...

by charles_j_smith

My 2 cents...

I have used Eudorda, Outlook and Outlook Express.

If you break down what you state in your question above, which is "best email client", then Outlook does not fit that because it is a full-featured PIM with email client capabilities. So throw that out.

Eudora, nice, but ties you down a little and sometimes I notice that Eudora support folks are lacking with patches and the like for their email client (slower then MC believe it or not).

Outlook Express is most likely what you want as it truly is a full-featured EMAIL CLIENT. Plus it's free.

Should you wish to move to a full featured PIM, then Outlook is the choice there.

As far as vulnerabilities go. Everything has them. See this nice fairly recent vulnerabilty in Eudora:
http://www.computercops.biz/article3158.html
or search google for Eudora Vulnerabilities and take your pick..

So, with ANY of the above apps it comes to 3 issues:
1. Maintainnig the application patched (which you will find is much easier for Outlook and Outlook Express using Windows Update)
2. End user education. Of course, you don't open attachments sent to you by unknown parties and follow best practices for email.
3. Virus software integration and updated. Make sure you use a nice anti-virus app and keep it up to date. Make sure that the virus software integrates with the email client you choose (not sure how well Eudora does that).

Worst case scenario, open a junk email account and take them all for a week (or longer) test drive!! I think Outlook Express will be the winner, but again - your decision.

If you are looking for Calendaring, Appointments, Email Client, etc. then I'd say you'll want Outlook.

Ultimately, we are human, so its your choice.

Have fun,
Chuck

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