Windows Live Mail 16.4.3505

Live Mail design is clean and pretty although it is necessary to change the basic default layout to enjoy it.
The installation process is fast and easy both on Windows XP SP2 and Vista. On the first run the user is prompted to set up an e-mail account. As for Hotmail accounts, the program automatically sets the server names and settings after introducing the account login and password. In case of a Gmail account, the user will be asked to fill in the server details manually.

By default Windows Live Mail keeps the messages on the server without deleting, which allows users to read their Gmail or Hotmail messages using any browser. The interface includes such standard options to display as folders, message list and message preview. In addition to e-mail managing, Live Mail allows users to subscribe to RSS feeds.

Another feature of Windows Live Mail interface is a built-in Active Search function. It is implemented in a form of a search box at the top of the column showing the search results below it. Live Mail automatically prowls the Web through Windows Live Search for the words selected within a message. Anyway this feature is optional and can be switched off by pointing at the "Show Menu" icon in the upper right and choosing "View" option with deselecting "Active Search" as a final step. To move the preview pane below the message it is enough just to choose "View" section and then select "Reading pane" and "Bottom".

In order to search for a particular message it is recommended to use "Find a message" box situated above the message list. It allows to search at the same time with typing, but it cannot search for content within the message body. As an addition the developers included a hidden advanced-search option. By right-clicking at an account name in the folder list and choosing "Find" operation the system opens a special search pop-up.

As for the security, Live Mail automatically blocks links and active elements in suspicious phishing e-mails. If some message was blocked by mistake user can unblock it by choosing "Unblock message" in a red alert bar at the top of the message which will reactivate message URLs.If you want to compose a new message sure to annoy most recipients, you can select from a number of built-in stationery offerings. Or you can try a nice new option and compose a photo e-mail.

The latest version of Windows Live Mail offers a nice opportunity to compose photo e-mails. By clicking "Add photos" button for any e-mail in progress users can select one or more images to add to the message in form of thumbnails. Meanwhile it is possible to edit captions, apply autocorrection or shrink the image before sending.