I recently received an email from "Jan", asking me the following question:

> I am looking into the advice you set out, do I have to do away with my
> Microsoft Outlook and Outlook Express as I am presently set up with Windows
> XP and Trend Micro security?

Here's my reply:

Hello, Jan.

Yes, I would stop using both those programs unless you are required to do so by your work. Both are extremely insecure - especially Outlook Express (OE) - and there are safer, more advanced, and free alternatives available. In addition, the insecurity of Microsoft's Web browser, Internet Explorer (IE), should also be a real concern, especially since IE is embedded into OE & Outlook. For more on this, see a column I recently wrote for SecurityFocus: http://www.securityfocus.com/columnists/249

Mozilla is a suite of programs that are designed to work together: Web browser (replaces Internet Explorer), email program, and address book. It is far safer than IE and OE in terms of security, and is also more powerful and has better features. In addition, it will automatically import your OE email & addresses, & your IE bookmarks. It is free for download at: http://www.mozilla.org (below Firefox)

If all you want is email, look at Thunderbird, which is also made by the Mozilla team. It's an excellent email program, and will import your OE and Outlook emails & addresses. It is free for download at: http://www.mozilla.org/ (scroll down til you find the Thunderbird links)

A series of tutorials for Thunderbird can be found here: http://www.nidelven-it.no/articles/introduction_to_thunderbird (scroll to the bottom of the page for links to the other 8 tutorials)

If you're looking for a complete Web site devoted to helping users get the most out of Thunderbird, or troubleshoot issues, this is the place: http://texturizer.net/thunderbird/

If all you want is a better Web browser, look at Firefox, which is also made by the Mozilla team. It's a fabulous Web browser, and will import your IE bookmarks & settings. It is free for download at: http://www.mozilla.org/ (at the very top of the page)

A series of tutorials for Firefox can be found here: http://www.nidelven-it.no/articles/introduction_to_firefox (scroll to the bottom for links to the other 7 tutorials)

If you're looking for a complete Web site devoted to helping users get the most out of Firefox, or troubleshoot issues, this is the place: http://texturizer.net/firefox/

Personally, I would recommend going with Firefox & Thunderbird. Try them out. If you don't like them, switch back to IE & OE/Outlook. They're free, so you won't have lost any money.

I hope this was helpful.

Have fun!

Scott