Don't mistake Microsoft Outlook Express for a light version of the Outlook client; it's an adequate though generally basic e-mail client that simply has a similar moniker. It has minimal privacy options, no built-in spam protection, and limited opportunities for customization.

The multipaned interface is simple enough, with standard elements like a folder list for organizing messages, a contacts list, and a preview pane you can toggle on and off. Although the address book is a bit bare-bones, adding contacts is quite easy.

You can create basic message filters by selecting from a series of 12 conditions (such as when the message body contains a particular word) and 12 actions (like moving the message to a specified folder). For example, you can have any messages that mention Britney Spears automatically moved to Deleted Items. You can also use an incoming message as the basis for a new rule.

Another tab in the Message Rules dialog lets you block a sender from the Message menu. This essentially creates a blacklist that automatically deletes messages from blocked senders. After you block an address, Outlook Express scans your in-box and delete messages previously received from the newly blocked sender. This is a nice feature, but it should be added as an option when you right-click on a message.

Although Outlook Express is fairly sparse, some interesting features are sprinkled throughout. The Watch/Ignore option lets you tag an e-mail message or newsgroup discussion to monitor a thread. The client also includes five encryption preferences and support for digital signatures.