Outlook Express or Thunderbird for Win7.

Spark

I have acquired a Win7 laptop.
I'd rather not use Window Live for my emails, as I am used to Outlook Express.
I have gathered some information on the net and it seems there is a version of Outlook Express for Win7. Furthermore, there is another email program called Thunderbird which seems similar to Outlook Express.
I would like some feedbacks about the possible problems (if any) I should expect with each of them.
And, are they safe to download and use?
I wouldn't like to mess up my brand new laptop, especially that I have to learn how to use Win7 in the first place, as I always used WinXP up to now.

*j*

I think you will find that out of those two, Thunderbird is your only option.

Not as clean as simple as Outlook Express, but pretty easy tok set up and OK when you get used to it.

Exo

Outlook Express is no longer supported and Windows Live Mail is its replacement in Win7.
OE is not compatible with Win7.
There are many email programs available to download free and Thunderbird is used by many and has been around for some time.

When I updated to Win7, I had a similar decision to make regarding a replacement for OE.
After trying quite a few, I decided to use Windows Live Mail, which can be quite straightforward to use once you get use to the ribbon headings.

What is your reluctance to use WLM? It is a misconception to believe you require Hotmail or a Windows Live account to run WLM.

Paula_Smith

I use Thunderbird - it is pretty similar to how Outlook Express was.

debitcardmayhem

I have used Thunderbird since it was an egg it is a fine product

grumpycrab

Spark wrote: »

I'd rather not use Window Live for my emails, as I am used to Outlook Express.

Of the people I've upgraded from Outlook Express I've had better success with Thunderbird. That's apart from the people who are not familiar with tabbed browers. They struggle initially with tab 1 being the Inbox and the remaining tabs being open messages. (I know you can remove the tabbed functionality but I think its worth learning).

captainhindsight_2

Thunderbird by far the best, so many useful add ons too

Spark

What is your reluctance to use WLM? It is a misconception to believe you require Hotmail or a Windows Live account to run WLM.

I do have 2 Hotmail accounts and know how Windows Live works.
I just prefer the simplicity of Outlook Express.
When I am used to something and that something is good enough and works the way I want it to work, I try to stick to it.
That's why I have gone for a Win7 laptop instead of a Win8 one, it is slightly different from WinXP but similar enough for me to be at ease with it. As WinXP is not supported anymore, Win7 seemed the best alternative. But at the moment I am still using my samsung nc10 with WinXP on it. I tried to find another netbook with Win7 similar to what I've got, but could not find it. All what you can find in that size is chromebooks or glorified tablets. So had to go with a 15.6 laptop. Shame......
Apparently Google Chrome and Firefox will still be supporting WinXP for one year, but I wonder what does that mean? Will they stop working on a WinXP system when they don't support it anymore?
I had Win8 on my Nokia 720, and as much as I didn't mind on a phone I would not like this on my desktop. When I asked around, many people don't go along with Win8.
Let see what they will do with Win9.
I saw online that someone has done an Outlook Express for Win7, like a free program, but since Thunderbird is prized by many, I will try it.:)

wongataa

Spark wrote: »

I do have 2 Hotmail accounts and know how Windows Live works.
I just prefer the simplicity of Outlook Express.
When I am used to something and that something is good enough and works the way I want it to work, I try to stick to it.

Windows Live and Windows Live Mail are different. Windows Live Mail is a desktop email client and is basically the Windows 7 version of Outlook Express. It does the same things and is simple.

Apparently Google Chrome and Firefox will still be supporting WinXP for one year, but I wonder what does that mean? Will they stop working on a WinXP system when they don't support it anymore?

They won't stop working. They will just not get any more updates. Just the same as what happens when Microsoft stop supporting software.

J_B

grumpycrab wrote: »

Of the people I've upgraded from Outlook Express I've had better success with Thunderbird. That's apart from the people who are not familiar with tabbed browers. They struggle initially with tab 1 being the Inbox and the remaining tabs being open messages. (I know you can remove the tabbed functionality but I think its worth learning).

I've used TB for about 5 years now and I'm quite happy with it, but have *never* used that tabbed stuff you describe :cool:

grumpycrab

Perhaps you're so used to it you don't notice it?