Free E-mail Software

In this section, we take a look at notable free E-mail software programs on the Web. These programs range from all-purpose E-mail freeware programs to mailing list servers to specialized programs, such as security programs and anti-spam utilities.

• MailWasher 
  This handy freeware E-mail management program lets you fight back against spammers and E-mail viruses and helps protect your privacy. MailWasher lets you check and manage your E-mails before you download them. You can also use it to bounce E-mails back to spammers, so that it looks as though your E-mail address is no longer valid. (For Windows).

• POP Peeper 
  Having trouble juggling your different E-mail accounts? This nifty freeware utility runs in your Windows task bar and notifies you when you have new E-mail in any of your POP3, Hotmail, MSN or Yahoo accounts. (For Windows).

• JB Mail 3.2 
  Here's a unique, free portable POP3 mail reader and mailbox maintenance utility, that gives you direct access to your POP mailbox. You can view, preview, delete, save, print, and even get attachments directly from your mailbox. As a result, you don't have to go through the hassle of downloading anything that you don't want to your hard drive. Handy, particularly for those who get lots of E-mail. (For Windows).

• Outlook Messenger Express 
  If you're using Microsoft Outlook, then you'll find this freeware utility very helpful. Outlook Messenger Express lets you quickly and easily send a message without going to the hassle of loading the cumbersome Outlook program itself. You can minimize it to the Windows desktop tray when you're not using it, as well. (For Windows).

• ePrompter 
  A useful freeware program, ePrompter is an E-mail retrieval and notification utility that can automatically check up to eight password-protected E-mail accounts for you, including POP3 mail, AOL, Hotmail, Juno, Mail.com and more. ePrompter is easily accessible via a rotating tray icon in your taskbar. (For Windows).

• Eudora 
  Our favorite free E-mail program. Eudora offers loads of features, such as the ability to filter your mail and efficiently organize it into folders; multiple signatures; drag & drop capabilities; nicknames and more. We also love its sleek and elegant interface. If you use Eudora, then you need to check out eMailman, which offers a big selection of utilities, tools and plug-ins for getting the most out of Eudora. The only quibble we have with Eudora is its cumbersome search function, which makes it time-consuming to find just the E-mail you're hunting for. (Available for Windows and Macs.)

  Eudora's latest version, 7, is a fully featured E-mail client, which is available for free in "sponsored" mode (a version that displays small ads). This powerful new version offers such handy features as automatic name completion, which lets you address E-mails quickly.

• Listserv Lite 
  We've had a number of visitors ask if there are any free mailing list programs available on the Net. Here's one from the makers of the well-known industrial-strength creators of Listserv. The Free Edition is a freeware version of Listserv Lite, limited to a maximum of 10 mailing lists with up to 500 subscribers each. This version is free, as long as the licensee does not derive a profit from using the software. Be sure to read the usage policy.

• Pegasus Mail 
  One of the Net's all-time classic freeware products, Pegasus has a very strong following, and with good reason. It has tons of helpful features, including a spell checker, multiple signatures, checking of multiple mailboxes, etc. However, Pegasus does suffer from a few drawbacks. We find its interface a little clunky and its cut & paste capabilities are limited. If you download Pegasus, then be sure to check out the Guide to Pegasus Mail Add-ons, which is a good collection of enhancement programs for this E-mail client. (Available for Windows and Macs).