MSN Explorer Send E-mails and Instant Messages from the Same Window Forrest Stroud
Send E-mails and Instant Messages from the Same Window
MSN Explorer's integrated e-mail client allows you to send both e-mail messages and instant messages from the same composition window. The e-mail client itself is a slimmed down version of Outlook Express that only allows you to send and receive mail from a single Hotmail account. If you need to work with multiple accounts, or if you don't currently have a Hotmail account, you will need to download Outlook Express.
The mail client includes separate windows for three tasks -- folder management, message composition, and address book. You can have MSN Explorer automatically import your address book from Outlook Express or AOL if necessary; unfortunately, these are the only two mail clients currently supported by the automatic import feature.
The message composition window offers you a chance to write e-mail messages or instant messages using various font styles, sizes, and colors. As with most e-mail clients, you can also easily attach files to your messages. In addition to the primary recipient, the MSN Explorer message screen also allows you to designate copy (CC) and blind copy (BCC) recipients for your messages.
Because of its strict restrictions on users (one Hotmail account and one signature limitations) and its lack of advanced features like filtering capabilities and auto-response options, the e-mail client stands out at this stage as the weak link in the MSN Explorer suite. Most users with multiple mail accounts or more advanced needs will likely prefer to continue using an alternative e-mail client even if MSN Explorer is used as the default Web browser.
