If you noticed that Windows 7 lacks free email software, like Outlook Express in Windows XP or the Windows Mail software that came with Windows Vista, you’re not alone. One of the biggest changes to Windows 7 is a lack of an email program included with the operating system. There are two main routes you can go in getting free email software for Windows 7. The option I like best is Thunderbird, which is the free email client created by the same people who make Firefox. Another solid option is Microsoft Windows Live Mail, which is the free email software replacing Outlook Express and Windows Mail.

Thunderbird, the free email software from Mozilla, includes what are considered standard features in most email clients. You can add one or several email accounts, either via POP3 or IMAP. Thunderbird supports email sorting rules, to make it easier to manage your email. More recent versions have added tabs, similar to a Web browser, making it easier to find things you want to reference frequently. Possibly the strongest feature of Thunderbird is the ability to customize your email client by installing plug-ins, just like you would in your browser. For instance, you can add Lightning, the Mozilla calendar app, to make Thunderbird a more fully featured personal information manager.

Windows Live Mail is a nice free email client too. It is designed to look like Microsoft Office products, so it has a similar toolbar to the Office look from 2007 and on. Aside from supporting popular email services like Gmail, Yahoo! Mail, and Hotmail, you can also connect virtually any POP3 or IMAP account to Windows Live Mail. For calendaring, Windows Live Calendar, which is part of Windows Live Mail, keeps you up to date on your events. Another key focus of Windows Live Mail is sending photos via email. While you can attach a photo to any email, Windows Live Mail helps you build photo collages and makes sharing via the Web an integrated part of the email experience. In the video below, Chris shares more details about using Windows Live Mail.