Windows 7: Windows Mail versus Windows Live Mail

[Doug]

What, if any, inferences can be drawn from the fact that there are typically
three times more posts about Windows Mail (WM) than Windows Live Mail (WLM).
Could it be that:

(a) WM is more troublesome than WLM (in view of the greater complexity of
WLM this seems improbable)?
(b) Many more people use WM (seems probable - I wonder what the figures
are)?
(c) A higher proportion of technically savvy users are likely to be early
adopters of Windows 7 who have to find an alternative to WM. Some then
migrate to a non-Microsoft email client such as Thunderbird, while those
that try WLM find they can master it with few problems (plausible)?

My feeling is that there seem to be an awful lot of folk hanging on to WM
and that they might be put off updating to Windows 7 because neither WM (nor
Outlook Express) will not be available (at least not in a securely supported
version) to run on it.

I am cross-posting this to both newsgroups and suggest that replies go to WM
as it has the larger following.

Doug


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[Gordon]

My feeling is that there seem to be an awful lot of folk hanging on to WM
and that they might be put off updating to Windows 7 because neither WM
(nor Outlook Express) will not be available (at least not in a securely
supported version) to run on it.

Outlook Express and Windows Mail are NOT available in Windows 7 in ANY
form - "securely" supported (whatever that means) or not...

 

[...winston]

More/Same problems on existing issues that won't get fixed(development ceased about 3 yrs ago on WM)
More Users(WM has been around a lot longer than WLM; for years many have relied on the email client packaged with the o/s*)

More filling, less taste..I.e. you get the picture.

Windows 7 over time may very well have a larger installed base than Vista and anyone with an email account will use a local email
client or their respective account's web interface.

*.Since Windows 7 doesn't have an email client, its seems relatively probable that just by association Msft's WLM will eventually
have a higher user base than exists today.

 

[Ron Sommer]

WLMail is only available as a download, although there have been a few
people who said that it came installed on their new computer.

Anyone that bought Vista or a Vista computer has WM.

There are always going to be people that want all accounts dumped into one
Inbox.

 

[Dave]

Not directly, but...
Windows Mail can be copied from a Vista computer ands works well on Win7.
And, if you get Win7 Pro or Ultimate, you can run the XP mode (with a CPU
that has virtualization support), which would let you run OE in a virtual XP
PC.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-10365250-56.html

 

[Gary VanderMolen]

I don't think there is any benefit to be gained by speculating on the
reasons why posts about WM troubles are more numerous than for
WLM. In my opinion the biggest reason is (b).

All three of the reasons you cited have merit, and it would be
difficult if not impossible to assign percentages.

 

[t-4-2]

A more simple theory from a more simple mind.
In the past when computers were less affordable ( I paid over $1000 for an
IBM portable in the early 80s, 48 k ram ), people would ensure to have
enough knowledge of computer before venturing into purchasing one. They
couldn't afford to screw up. There were no freebie-newsgroups such as this.
They used computers out of necessity, not out of fun.
Nowadays, first of all, computers are very much affordable. People will buy
first, learn later.
Second of all, young people, teenagers in particular, want them for fun.
They don't want to learn.
Either case, they screw up more often.
Third and last, so far I have noticed, most new computers come with Windows
mail, not WLM.

t-4-2

 

[Sam Hobbs]

Note that "neither WM (nor Outlook Express) will not be available" is a
double negative. You meant to say that neither WinMail nor OE will be
available, correct?

I don't see any use of this discussion. Yes, of course I could just ignore
it. I do want to suggest that you could get some answers for your questions
if you read a couple thousand previous messages. I have.

There are very few people asking about Windows 7. If you had read previous
messages, you would know that your (c) about Windows 7 is not relevant.

Also, if you read previous messages, you will see that about half are
extremely basic and simple, such as people often don't or can't find the
page from their provider that specifies the account settings. So perhaps if
a person is capable of downloading and installing WLM they are less likely
to ask the very simple questions.

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

We don't need to speculate: All further Windows Mail development was stopped
by executive fiat while Vista was still in beta and all resources were then
dedicated to developing WalMail (which was supposed to generate revenue from
ads when it was in beta).

 

[Doug]

Note that "neither WM (nor Outlook Express) will not be available" is a
double negative. You meant to say that neither WinMail nor OE will be
available, correct?

Correct, my error, apologies - Doug



__________ Information from ESET Smart Security, version of virus signature database 4485 (20091006) __________

The message was checked by ESET Smart Security.

http://www.eset.com

 

[Steve Cochran]

WalMail? Wal-Mart Mail?

That's my term for what they did with OE and WinMail. Its a dumbed down,
unsophisticated, unprogrammable, feature limited, and mass-marketed product
directed to the lowest possible level of user intelligence, of low quality
and low vision.

We had a great product that needed some fixing, and instead they abandoned
that for WLM -- aka WalMail.


steve

 

[...winston]

Not much longer... Vista will gradually be replaced by Win7 as the only OEM new computer o/s.

 

[Steve Cochran]

You can try deleting folders.dbx and see if OE will start okay. See
www.oehelp.com/OETips.aspx#7 (point 7)

steve

 

[Canuck57]

Not much longer... Vista will gradually be replaced by Win7 as the only
OEM new computer o/s.

There are options with Macs and Linux....

My next Laptop will be a Mac. Got one at work and other than the screen
is too small, I am impressed.