| Client | Win95/98/SE | OL97 | OL98 | OL2000 | OE | Remark | |||
| Program / Configuration | Inbox | WM | - | CW | IMO | CW | IMO | - | |
| support internet/pop3/imap email |
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Inbox can add POP3 email support with a patch. |
| multiple email accounts |
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| support microsoft exchange server |
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| require internet explorer |
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| require outlook express |
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| free |
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Inbox and WM bundled as component of Win95. WM is also included on Win98/98SE CD. OL98 is no longer available as a new download. OE is part of Win98 and onwards. |
| rich text format email |
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Rich Text email can only be viewed by compatible programs. |
| html format email |
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OL97 will display email as plain text, with formatting as a HTML document. |
| plain text email |
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| fax support |
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OL97 / 98 (CW) / 2000 (CW)
support Microsoft Fax. OL98 (IMO) / 2000 (IMO) support WinFax. |
| newsgroup support |
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OL98/2000 use OE for newsgroup support. |
| address book used | PAB | PAB | PAB | P+W | P+W | P+W | P+W | WAB | OL2000 has an option to share Contacts entries with Outlook Express, bypassing entries stored in WAB. |
| contacts management |
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Personal Address Book and Windows Address Book can also store personal information. |
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multiple users (single Windows user logon) |
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Inbox / WM / OL97 / 98 (CW)
/ 2000 (CW) use Profiles. OE uses Identities. OL2000 (IMO) does not support multiple users in a single Windows logon environment. |