What in the name of technology is mail reader software?  It is the software you use to read your email.

I mentioned the Microsoft Outlook, AOL, Netscape Mail Reader, Lotus Notes and Eudora mail readers in my last column about email viruses.  In this column I discuss Netscape Mail, Outlook and Eudora.  There’s so much information online that one really needs to visit these sites to see all that these mail readers offer.  Warning: This column is much more technical than most!

Netscape 6.0 is the first major new release from Netscape since the company’s 1998 takeover by America Online.  According to Vnunet’s site, it runs in multiple environments, including emerging home Internet devices, and is powered by Netscape's Gecko technology, which speeds up browsing, quickly displays tables and instantly resizes web pages.

Strouds CWSApps gives us this list of changes and I mention a few:

1. Basic, streamlined intuitive interface
2. Sidebar tabs:  Web Search Results, stock and news reports, a What's Related list of Web sites; can create customized tabs
3. Integrated Instant Messaging client (based on the AOL Instant Messenger client), Password and Cookie Managers
4. Support for multiple POP mail accounts and AOL e-mail accounts in Netscape Messenger
5. A redesigned address book with a three-pane layout for quickly viewing contact information
6. The ability to search for sites directly from the URL bar

Netscape Mail Sites to Visit
· http://cws.internet.com/reviews/netscape-netscape6-2.html
-Strouds CWSApps compares Netscape 6.0 to Outlook Express and Internet Explorer
· http://www.zdnet.com/products/stories/pipreviews/0,8827,221080,00.html
-PC Magazine reviews Netscape and includes gripes
· http://www.vnunet.com/News/601778
-Vnunet.com review
· http://www.netscape.com/
-Netscape’s web page
 
 

 Microsoft Outlook’s web page states, “It works like Microsoft Office, easy to learn and use.”

Epinions.com provides some intelligent feedback on Outlook 2000, including pros, “Highly customizable; excellent support for e-mail, tasks, appointments, and contacts,” and cons, “High price; time-consuming set up; many features will be wasted for the casual user.”

Slipstick’s site offers some valuable advice, “If you install Outlook 2000, but use Word 97 as your e-mail editor, when you forward a message with an attachment, the attachment is stripped. Either don't use Word as your e-mail editor or upgrade to Word or Office 2000.”

Strouds says, “Outlook Express's filtering capabilities are better than Netscape’s.”  Express offers enhanced security, Junk Mail SPAM filtering system and Stationery wizard.

Some of the new features include:

1. Personal calendar
2. Task list
3. Activity journal with scrolling timeline views

Outlook Sites
· http://www.microsoft.com/office/outlook/outlkpeg.htm
-Microsoft Outlook web page
· http://www.microsoft.com/office/outlook/olfeatur.htm
-Download the features and configuration guide
· http://www.slipstick.com/outlook/ol2000.htm
-Slipstick’s site contains Outlook 2000 features, patches, and problems
· http://www.epinions.com/cmsw-EmailChat-All-Microsoft_Outlook_2000
-Member opinions and professional reviews about Outlook 2000
 
 

Simler’s site tells us Eudora by Qualcomm, Inc. is a popular Post Office Protocol (POP3) electronic mail client for MS Windows and the Mac.  It is named after the popular writer, Eudora Welty.

According to Endora’s web site press release, the latest 5.0 version was released September 11, 2000 for Windows and Macintosh users.

1. Automatic file sharing and syncing capabilities
2. A flame (junk) monitor
3. Email statistics tracking and enhancements that support its use with Eudora Internet Suite™ (EIS™) 2.0 for Palm OS™-based handhelds
4. Moodwatch is a new feature that uses chili peppers to alert you to aggressive, demeaning or rude language in emails you send and receive

A user at the Software Blast site says it’s an improvement over the free Microsoft
Products.  He adds that it is “unnecessarily complicated”.

Eudora Sites
· http://cws.internet.com/reviews/mail-eudorap7.html
-Strouds site complains of confusing Eudora 5.0 upgrade policy and new and old bugs
· http://www.softwareblast.com/downloads/featured/
-Users critical of Eudora
· http://www.eudora.com/email/features/moodwatch.html
-Read more about MoodWatch
· http://www.eudora.com/
-Eudora’s own web site

Summary

There is no real “best choice” for mail readers.  It is an individual preference
or corporate decision that determines which mail reader you use.  I use Netscape.  If you need an integrated solution, Outlook might fit you.  If you are working with a Personal Digital Assistant, Endora is a possibility.

 She can be reached by email at jana@barberio.com