Microcomputer Services

Email Software Notes and System Requirements

Windows

Microsoft Outlook 2000
Not recommended unless you have installed all of the security updates (of which there are many). Old versions of Outlook 2000 are highly susceptible to virus-laden email messages. For a list of security updates, see Microsoft's web site (try here).

Microsoft Outlook 2002 and Outlook XP
This is the preferred version of Outlook.

Microsoft Outlook Express
We recommend only version 6, as prior versions were highly susceptible to a wide variety of security and virus problems. Outlook Express 6 is only available as a component of Internet Explorer 6, the web browser. To download Internet Explorer 6 (which includes Outlook Express 6), visit Microsoft's Internet Explorer web site or obtain a Duckware 2002 CD.

Qualcomm Eudora
Eudora 5.1 and Eudora 5.2 are both SSL-capable. We recommend Eudora 5.2. In our tests, Eudora 5.2 did not perform well in IMAP mode. Slow transactions literally leading to timeout errors, and some default mailboxes not being able to create on the server (notably Trash). For this reason, we do not recommend Eudora's use as an IMAP client. Don't worry if you don't know what IMAP is, Eudora only started supporting this option in recent versions, so most campus users are in POP mode which works fine.

Eudora paid customers should note that upgrades to 5.2 are not free. However, you may use Eudora 5.2 in Sponsored or Free mode.

The latest version of Eudora is available from Eudora's download web page. You can also visit our page describing the upgrade process.

Netscape Communicator 4.7 and 4.8
This product has supported SSL connections for years. If you prefer to use an old version of Netscape, we strongly recommend the latest version in that product line: Netscape Communicator 4.8.

Download Netscape 4.8 for Windows
Download Netscape 4.8 for MacOS 8 & 9


Macintosh

Microsoft Outlook
Outlook 2001 for MacOS supports Microsoft Exchange servers only. It does not offer a POP or IMAP mode.

Microsoft Outlook Express
Version 5 is the minimum version required for SSL support. Earlier versions will not work.

Qualcomm Eudora
MacOS X users who wish to use Eudora will need MacOS X 10.2 (also known as Jaguar) or later and Eudora 5.2 or later. Any lesser combination simply will not work.

MacOS 9 users can use Eudora 5.1 or 5.2, although we strongly encourage you to use the latest version. Eudora 5.2 fixes serious IMAP problems. You also must use Keychain (software built in to MacOS 9) or SSL will not work. Our configuration page has step-by-step directions.

MacOS 8.6 and earlier does not support Keychain, which Eudora must have to enable this security feature. If you are using MacOS 7 or MacOS 8 with Eudora you can:

Eudora paid customers should note that upgrades to 5.2 are not free. However, you may use Eudora 5.2 in Sponsored or Free mode.

Any version of Eudora earlier than 5.1 will not work. You must upgrade or switch email programs.

MacOS X Mail
Mail for MacOS X supports SSL in versions that shipped with MacOS 10.1.3 and later. Some upgrades are available for free. See Apple's web site for upgrade information.