Understanding how Windows Live E-mail operates

If you're an active Internet user, whether for work or leisure, you likely switch between various applications as needed. Perhaps you use an email client to send messages, then transition to an instant messaging app or a browser to check out a friend's blog or upload a photo to a social network.

Switching between different programs can be frustrating, and are you sure you're keeping pace with the latest web technologies and services available today?

A major focus for top software companies today is finding ways to seamlessly integrate various programs, allowing users to move effortlessly between applications as they create, share, and store data. Windows Live is Microsoft's suite of integrated services and programs.

Windows Live merges tools like e-mail, instant messaging, and word processing with online features such as file sharing, blogs, and off-site storage. Some of these services are accessed online, while others are downloaded to your computer. All applications and services are completely free.

E-mail is among the most widely used online applications, and Windows Live supports several services, including MSN Hotmail and Windows Live Mail, which allows users to download mail from multiple accounts.

In this article, we will explore the e-mail features offered by Windows Live. We will discuss the evolution of Windows Live, its unique e-mail functions, how to set up an account, and potential future developments.

History of Windows Live

To understand the origins of Windows Live e-mail services, it's necessary to look at the history of Windows Live itself.

Microsoft began working on Windows Live around 2001, when company leaders sought innovations to provide more flexibility and long-term benefits [source: CNET News]. They envisioned an Internet-based, all-in-one suite of programs that could be easily updated with live changes. This represented a significant shift from their previous focus on pre-packaged software and operating systems.

In the fall of 2005, Bill Gates, Microsoft's founder and chairman, announced the Windows Live project, marking the beginning of a new era that would change how people used the Web. The initiative was aimed at both individual and small business users. On May 6, 2007, Microsoft officially launched Windows Live Hotmail, replacing MSN Hotmail, with a global rollout in 36 languages.

The initial version of the Windows Live initiative took existing products like Hotmail and Messenger, repackaged them, and gave them a fresh brand. Since then, Microsoft has consistently added new products and updates to the suite.

The service provides valuable insights into how customers interact with its products and the broader Web, helping the company stay ahead of demand in an increasingly competitive market. Officials stated that their goal is to continually update products and introduce new ones to meet the ever-changing needs of Web users. While many products are designed for the general public familiar with basic software, others cater to more advanced users and encourage exploration of new ways to enhance the Windows Live suite.

Microsoft employs a development strategy that prioritizes early public feedback for updates and new products. Often, it releases experimental or 'beta' versions of new products, inviting users to test them and provide their input on performance.

Although the Internet-based services within Windows Live are free, the system also offers advanced features that come with a subscription fee. This model supports advertising, which generates potential revenue for the company. Typically, the basic level of service is free but ad-supported, while premium versions are subscription-based.

On the next page, we'll explore some of the unique features of the Windows Live e-mail application.

Distinct Features of Windows Live E-mail

Hotmail, one of the e-mail services supported by Windows Live, isn't new, but it continues to receive fresh and unique features thanks to ongoing updates by the engineers.

The latest Hotmail version offers users 5 gigabytes of storage, which is more than enough for casual users. To put it into perspective, 5 gigabytes can hold three two-hour movies or about 1,000 MP3 files.

The redesigned interface gives users the flexibility to choose from a variety of layouts, color schemes, and toolbars. These options let individuals customize their setup to match their needs, enhancing their e-mail experience. Longtime Hotmail users can stick with the Classic view, easing their transition to the new version. Switching between views is seamless, granting access to advanced features. The overall layout is similar to Microsoft Outlook, a well-known e-mail program.

Additional features include:

The new Windows Live Hotmail doesn't just improve security; it's also simpler to use. Color-coded icons instantly indicate suspicious e-mails, allowing users to identify potential threats quickly. Junk mail can be removed with a single click. Built-in antivirus and anti-spyware tools help users maintain a clean system. The design, which features a preview window and reading pane, closely mirrors Outlook, including drag-and-drop functionality and organizational tools.

If you prefer not to download emails to your computer, Windows Live Mail lets you access your online mailboxes directly. Users familiar with Microsoft Outlook Express will find Windows Live Mail easy to use. It's a straightforward, well-organized e-mail program with some advanced features, such as sending photo e-mails. Like Hotmail, it offers a customizable interface so you can adjust it to suit your preferences.

Windows Live Mail offers seamless access to multiple e-mail accounts, including Hotmail, Yahoo Mail premium accounts, Gmail, and others. Additionally, you can sign in to Windows Live Messenger and chat with your contacts directly from the Windows Live Mail inbox. The program also makes it simple to visit your friends' social networking profiles on Windows Live Spaces blogs. Plus, it allows you to store e-mails locally on your computer, providing a convenient way to manage long-term storage.

Windows Live Mail is equipped with spam protection and anti-virus filters that can be applied across multiple e-mail accounts. It also includes visual alerts for suspicious messages. If you encounter one, you can simply click "Delete and Block" to remove the message and block future correspondence from that sender.

To learn how to set up and use a Windows Live e-mail account, turn to the next page.

Using Windows Live E-mail

Setting up a Windows Live e-mail account is quick and straightforward. Begin by visiting the login page at http://www.windowslive.com/. Once there, follow the simple steps and prompts to set up your Windows Live account and enjoy all the services it offers, including e-mail.

The first step in the process is to create a Windows Live ID. If you already have a Hotmail or Messenger account, you likely already have one. Many Microsoft applications also require this ID, which typically consists of your e-mail address and a password.

To register, you will need to provide some basic personal details, choose a Windows Live ID, set a password (and confirm it), and complete a verification step by typing in the distorted characters displayed on the screen. Once registered, you will be directed to home.live.com, where you can explore various Windows Live services, including Hotmail.

At this stage, you can begin using your new e-mail account. One of the first tasks is to import your contacts. If you’re using Microsoft Outlook or Outlook Express, this can be done easily by clicking on the import contacts section, running the wizard, and following the instructions.

By selecting 'Options', you’ll find a guide to managing your account, such as editing personal details, sending and receiving e-mails from other accounts, setting up automated replies for when you're unavailable, and handling junk e-mail. You can also customize your mailbox, like picking a theme or language, and managing your imported contacts.

To get started with Windows Live Mail, you’ll need to download it. During the download process, you’ll also have the opportunity to install other Windows Live programs. After downloading, simply log in with your existing e-mail account by using your ID (e-mail address) and password. You can also add additional e-mail accounts by selecting 'Add e-mail account' and providing the necessary information.

Windows Live Mail is designed to resemble the layout of your Hotmail or Outlook interface. To customize your mailbox, click the 'Show menu' icon located in the top-right corner of the main window during setup. From there, you can choose layout, toolbar, and menu options to tailor the program to your needs.

The future of Windows Live e-mail looks promising as it continues to evolve.

Microsoft envisioned Windows Live as a dynamic suite of programs that can be continuously enhanced. Already, engineers have incorporated numerous features and improvements, many of which were inspired by user feedback. Some users even volunteer to provide input, enabling the company to monitor their use of the software and identify areas for improvement. With this ongoing development model, it’s clear that both Windows Live Mail and Windows Live Hotmail will keep advancing.

A growing trend in digital communication is the integration of various messaging systems, such as e-mail, voicemail, and instant messaging, under a single platform for greater ease of use. With its focus on integration and regular updates, Windows Live e-mail may play a leading role in this movement.