Recommend me a good email program please.

Mysterae_ · 22 Nov 2009 at 11:52

Can anyone recommend me a good email program?

I'm switching back to Virgin from Sky, but don't like the web-based look of Virgin Mail (everything's still red even when it's been read).

However, I check my emails from different computers and can't install the program on one of them, but can run it, if you know what I mean. Anything like this exist?

Good spam filtering would be good too, trying to tidy up the Virgin account.

Thanks.

swinnie · 22 Nov 2009 at 11:59

How about using PortableApps with Thunderbird? Runs from a memory stick.

CaptainCrash · 22 Nov 2009 at 12:08

I had a quick look at Virgin's email help pages, such as they are, and it looks like they don't support IMAP which would normally be recommended for accessing mail from multiple locations.

You might like to take a look at the portable version of Thunderbird, set it up for POP3 access and carry it around with you on a USB stick (this would also get round the problem of not being able to install a client on a particular machine).

/edit: about half an hour too slow....

Daegan · 22 Nov 2009 at 12:29

A Gmail account (or Google Apps with your own domain). Configure that to send and receive from your other accounts, then you've got a good webmail interface you can use anywhere and IMAP access for your email clients.

Destination · 22 Nov 2009 at 12:30

All your virgin mail can be imported into outlook, I use outlook as my email client and find it superb.

Mysterae_ · 22 Nov 2009 at 12:45

Thanks guys, 2 great options there!

I like the idea of Thunderbird portableapp, means it will always be with me. Do you think it would work if the usb key was a mobile phone storage instead (set as usb storage device)? I'm less likely to lose my phone than a usb key! That's the only think that irks me with this idea, but I would have my emails even if I didn't have access to a network...

The Gmail idea is great too though. Create a catch-all email account like Gmail and control the accounts during the switchover. I didn't think I could send and receive from other accounts using something like this...interesting!

Excellent ideas guys, thanks.

Mysterae_ · 22 Nov 2009 at 12:48

Hikari Kisugi said:
All your virgin mail can be imported into outlook, I use outlook as my email client and find it superb.

Can't use outlook on a few of the pcs, either removed or not present due to having other company orientated email program present.

Mysterae_ · 22 Nov 2009 at 16:07

Just to update and give thanks.

I have set up gmail to pool my emails into one place while I'm in the transition between email accounts. I see it is what Sky used for their email, but Sky limit the things you can do (themes for one).

Gmail I like! Thanks.

InQ · 23 Nov 2009 at 09:41

Gmail is great. I switched from Thunderbird and Firefix to using Gmail and Chrome Beta, no need to backup any emails or bookmarks now.

Also you can sync your bookmarks over multiple PC's laptops etc so once you add/delete/edit a link it changes on all sync machines. Fantastic.

Geek. · 23 Nov 2009 at 11:22

if you want to pay a bit i would use "the bat" email client

Mysterae_ · 23 Nov 2009 at 12:32

I'm happy with gmail for sure. Currently say in a motorway services waiting for a collegue and can see all my email accounts. The idea of using a usb stick to access email scared me a little as I could lose it!

InQ, is the bookmark feature gmail or Chrome? That would be very useful, but can't install Chrome on the works laptop. Also, if it's relevant I'm limited to IE6 for my browser (I know, company systems sooo behind).

Odhran · 23 Nov 2009 at 12:33

I personally like Windows Live Mail client. It's easy to use, well organised and will connect to almost any mail server.

CaptainCrash · 23 Nov 2009 at 13:32

Mysterae_ said:
The idea of using a usb stick to access email scared me a little as I could lose it!

Well, obviously you'd need to back it up regularly, although I guess privacy concerns might also be an issue in some cases. Still, if Gmail's web interface is working well for you, then if it ain't broke don't fix it.

If you do decide you'd rather use a conventional client, Thunderbird (portable or standard installation) works well with Gmail/IMAP - there's an addon for version 2.* which makes setting it up a doddle, and IIRC the relevant settings are present by default in the version 3.* beta account wizard.

gillywibble · 23 Nov 2009 at 13:39

I have a catch all gmail account which I then import into Outlook. Nice failsafe system.