What is the difference between Windows Hotmail and Windows Live Mail

[scarlets fan]

I have Windows 7 and notice that Outlook Express is no longer an option. They have Windows Live Mail and Hotmail. What is the difference, if any, between the two. Which option is the best.

[Prudie]

I've just been told they are the same, Live Mail is the new name for Hotmail

[Buenchico]

Windows Live Mail is an email client, like Outlook Express. (i.e. it's a program which sits on your PC, enabling you to access your email).

Windows Live Hotmail used to be called MSN Hotmail and, before that, just Hotmail. It's a web-based email service which (like all such services) should be avoided unless you really need it.

Chris

[AlBags]

Right.
Keep your email on your PC for best all round performance. Plus you'll always have it.
If you are choosing right now .. I would choose Mozilla Thunderbird (from the Firefox folks)

[ChuckFickens]

To slightly disagree with both the above, there is no hard and fast rule as to "which option is the best" it very much depends on what you want to be able to do.

If you are happy only ever being able to read and use your email on one computer then windows live mail (or any other PC side client such as Thunderbird) using POP3 is the best option.

If you want to be able to check your mail on multiple devices and/or from any computer then a web based system such as hotmail, or an IMAP based system (or a combination of both) is the best option.

[scarlets fan]

Thanks for all your suggestions.

[MarkRae]

To add slightly to what Chuck said, the two options aren't even mutually exclusive.

I use Microsoft Outlook on my main PC but can still check my email either with my SmartPhone or from any Internet-enabled PC anywhere in the world because my mail provider offers a webmail service.

[craft1948]

I have Outlook on Windows 7..................

[Zvonok]

Or better still use :Live Mail and if you have 2 or more computers (laptop and desktop etc) use IMAP settings so it updates the server and whenever you log on with what ever computer it is always up-yo-date!!