The Best Free Email Software

If you want to access e-mail on your computer you do not need expensive software such as Microsoft Outlook. There is plenty of free email software available. Email software allows you to connect to a POP or IMAP server to retrieve your messages. You can access your messages on your computer as well as on the internet; given you have the right settings selected and your provider offers Webmail.

Mozilla Thunderbird is often overlooked but offers all of the features as a paid program. It is a secure program and allows you to categorize your messages, filters junk mail, and allows you to subscribe to RSS feeds. Mozilla is often known for their Firefox browser, but Thunderbird is a close second.

Eudora Mail is a free (and fee based) email software. You can use it for free in Sponsored Mode, which means there will be periodical advertisements on your screen. It is a classic email program that offers the basic features plus excellent spam filtering.

Opera Mail handles basic email very well, but there are some definite downfalls. Opera does not support encrypted messages and their text editor is at best, mediocre. It has a modern user interface and offers integrated RSS feeds.

Mulberry is cross platform email software that offers many neat features. It does, however; lack simplicity. The interface is hard to navigate and has a steep learning curve. Email software similar to this is Pegasus, which offers many features but lacks a nice user interface.

IncrediMail is a free and fee based email software that offers a family oriented user interface and is easy to use. It protects you from spam and fraud mail but lacks organizational and productivity tools, such as email categorization.

The other free email program is Windows Mail, which is built into their operating system. Windows Mail is basic email software that allows you to send secure and encrypted messages, offers a nice text editor, and has spam filtering. Be careful though, the spam filter catches legit messages. Other benefits include flawless incorporation with Windows Vista (and soon, 7).

Choosing the right email software is an important step. If you will be syncing your content to a Palm or Windows Mobile device, be sure it is supported by your sync software. If you are going to be using a PDA with it, Outlook is your best option. It combines your calendar, email, contacts, and to-do lists all in one program. You would need to use three or four separate applications in Windows to do the same.

If you will be using your providers Webmail feature, be sure to check the box that says leave a copy of my messages on the server or else you will not be able to access them away from home.