Microsoft Outlook is a widely used mail program, that you can purchase with Microsoft Office, as part of a package, or as a standalone Outlook download. The latest MS Outlook download costs about $100 by itself, but runs cheaper if you plan to download along with the other programs that comprise the MS Office suite.

Pricing and costs of Microsoft Outlook download may be lower if you have an existing Outlook program and just need to download Microsoft Outlook updates. You should also include in your pricing an estimate of any other programs or add-ons you plan to use, such as a spam blocker or address book synchronizer, that may be downloaded as freeware or as pay-per-download for anywhere from $10 to $100, depending on the program.

If you're ready to download Microsoft Outlook, investigate the following options:

1. Use a free trial to determine whether Outlook is the right choice for you before you buy.

2. Download Outlook in its latest version from Microsoft, or download older versions from another source at a discount rate.

3. Consider add-ons to Outlook that may be free or carry an additional cost.

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Try Outlook features for free before getting a full-version Outlook download

Before you download MS Outlook, download a free trial or complete the Microsoft Outlook Test Drive online, which doesn't require you to download Microsoft Outlook to your computer. Free trials last 60 days, and you can complete online test drives as often as you like.

I recommend: Try a 60-day free trial of Microsoft Office Professional 2007, which includes Outlook 2007. Check out Microsoft's free test drive, which lets you try out their Office software without downloading Outlook or any other program.

Shop around for your MS Outlook download

An easy way to download Outlook is directly from Microsoft, where you can pay full price for the latest version of Outlook or the complete Office suite. If you aren't picky about the version you use, you can find a bargain on the 2000 or 2003 versions at other online retailers. If your business is a nonprofit, you can get Outlook and other Office programs for really cheap if you buy from a nonprofit technology supplier.

I recommend: The Microsoft Outlook 2007 download is available online for from about $100, as a single program, to around $400 as part of the complete Office 2007 suite. You can download an upgrade to an earlier version of Office at a cheaper rate. If you're a nonprofit you can download Outlook from TechSoup Stock for between $4 and $20, depending on the version you need and whether you purchase Outlook alone or the entire Office suite.

Factor additional features into the pricing and costs of Microsoft Outlook downloads

You may want to download Microsoft Outlook add-ons to transfer your address book, add security, increase spam management or make email more convenient with shortcuts. These add-ons may be available for free download or for a fee from shareware download sites.

I recommend: Shareware Connection and Brothersoft both have Microsoft Outlook download sites that offer add-ons for free or at a cost of $10 to $100, depending on the features. The Free Downloads Center offers a free version of SPAMfighter for additional protection in Outlook against unwanted emails, or a premium version for purchase.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you are looking for a Microsoft Outlook free download, consider using a free open-source program such as Open Office, which has a mail program called Thunderbird with comparable features, as an alternative to an Outlook download.

Microsoft Outlook download is one of the most popular and well-used programs on the market today. The Outlook download offers easy to use email applications available in many versions, including Microsoft Outlook 2007 download, Microsoft Outlook 2003 free download, and Microsoft Outlook 2000 download among others.

Download Outlook and receive great functionality including templates for increased productivity and ease of use. To use MS Outlook download to its full potential, you should:

1. Check your current operating system to see which version of Microsoft Outlook you have.

2. Use the free Microsoft Outlook tour to familiarize yourself with the program and ensure it will work for your needs.

3. Purchase the full version of Microsoft Outlook, install and run the tutorial to ensure you’re using it to its full potential.

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Check your current operating system for the installed Microsoft Outlook edition

Most new computers come with Microsoft programs, including Microsoft Outlook, pre-installed and ready to use. Before you buy this popular program for your computer, check to see if you already have it and which version of Microsoft Outlook you currently have to determine if you just need an upgrade, a much less expensive option than buying the entire program package.

I recommend: Download Microsoft Outlook updates to upgrade your templates for the newest version of Microsoft Outlook from the Microsoft Outlook home page. Check out useful information like how to merge Yahoo mail with your Outlook mail at Tech Crunch.

Use the free Microsoft Outlook download trial to test it out

Use the free Microsoft Outlook trial to get to know the program. Reviews or user groups are another great way to find out how other business owners use Microsoft Outlook.

I recommend: Download the trial on the Microsoft Outlook home page to learn more about the program and its features to make sure it's right for you and will fit the needs of your home-based business. The tour is fun and shows the most recent version. CNET offers reviews of Microsoft Outlook offering you information on other user experiences with the program.

Purchase the MS Outlook full download

Purchase and install the full version of Microsoft Outlook to utilize all the features of the program if it isn't already on your computer. Microsoft Outlook can be purchased in physical form to install from most retailers who carry computer software and supplies. Or visit Microsoft Outlook download sites for instant access.

I recommend: Everything Outlet offer the latest version of Microsoft Outlook at a reasonable price that can be shipped directly to your door. The software is rarely out of stock and available from a number of online retailers through Amazon. Software King has great deals and quick shipping to get you Outlook fast.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Restart your computer after installing or downloading Microsoft Outlook. This will allow it to work properly.
• •  Whether you buy the full Microsoft Outlook program or just an upgrade, save your receipt as you can claim the expense on your home-business tax forms.

Microsoft Outlook is not only useful for managing addresses and personal information, but it can also help small and large businesses, with the right Microsoft Outlook download education and training, keep their public contacts in order. All versions of the program are popular, but the one most frequently used in businesses around the country are Microsoft Outlook 2007 download, Microsoft Outlook 2003 free download, and Microsoft Outlook 2000 download.

Because Microsoft Outlook downloads have such popularity, it's important to understand both how to download MS Outlook and how to use the version that you have. Gaining knowledge on the MS Outlook download available to you can help you or your business use the software to it's fullest potential and get your money's worth. Remember the following when looking for education and training:

1. Find resources to help you download the version of Outlook appropriate for your system

2. Use online sites to get training on Outlook's capabilities

3. Have an instructor led training session on Outlook

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Find the MS Outlook download that works with your system

Before you jump the gun and download Outlook in the first version that you find, you need to learn the differences between each version and how each version will affect the operating system you have installed. In addition, it's helpful to know what your Microsoft Outlook download will primarily be used for, such as strictly email and scheduling or keeping a list of customers.

I recommend: CNET has reviews and critiques on many versions of Outlook downloads, including highlights about capabilities within each version. In addition, they also provide links to sites where you can download or purchase Outlook. Microsoft Help and Support provides you with an in depth article comparing different versions of Outlook to help you learn the similarities between the different versions.

Prepare for your Outlook download by using online resources

Using online training allows you and your employees to train at their own pace. With online classes, it's easier to go back and refocus on the information that may have been confusing. If you are worried about not having the learning materials that a classroom based training might offer, most online training sites now offer downloadable course content for use and reference.

I recommend: Microsoft Office Online offers online training classes in a variety of versions of Outlook, including Microsoft Outlook 2007 and Microsoft Outlook 2003 free download. The site Brainstorm has free video tips and tricks and also answers frequently asked questions about Outlook versions that can be accessed at any time.

Secure classroom-based Outlook download training

While self-paced coursework may be fine for some individuals and businesses, it may not work for all. If you need to get up to speed in a small amount of time or you have a large amount of employees to train, it may be best to conduct your Outlook download training in a classroom.

I recommend: Surf over to New Horizons Worldwide and put in a request for a Microsoft Gold Certified trainer to conduct your classroom or on-site education sessions. The trainers at Full Circle Computing will help you assess the needs of your employees and create a classroom-based training session that can be customized to suit the needs of your students.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When selecting a Microsoft Outlook download education and training course or instructor, read all the reviews available to you or ask for references. You want to make sure that the training you receive will suit your immediate and long term needs.

Microsoft Outlook is a trusted email program that is available with many features. Microsoft works to keep all of its programs updated with downloads available online. Outlook also provides many optional downloads that are available to enhance your email experience. Before you shop for Microsoft Outlook downloads, review the Microsoft Outlook download key terms. This helps you understand exactly what features you may or may not want to download, depending on your email requirements.

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Interface

An interface is a group of commands or menus that allow the user to interact with the program. The interface of Microsoft Outlook is user friendly, meaning that it can be used by almost any person.

I recommend: Locate more information about interfaces at WebMediaBrands. TechTarget also provides information about interfaces.

RSS feeds

RSS feeds are also referred to as Really Simple Syndication feeds. RSS feeds are Internet feeds that are updated regularly such as video, news and blogs. RSS feeds are normally full and similar text to other feeds and allow information to be published once and be seen in many other formats.

I recommend: Software Garden has more details about RSS feeds. Visit O'Reilly Media for more information about RSS feeds. View WhatIsRSS.com for even more regarding what RSS feeds do.

Anti-phishing

Anti-phishing software protects your computer against phishing emails. Phishing emails try to acquire personal information such as usernames, passwords and bank account information.

I recommend: Visit Anti-Phishing.info for more details and news about anti-phishing software. AntiPhishingScams.com also has details about anti-phishing software.

IRM

IRM stands for information right management. IRM is an Internet-based IT service for tracking information and processes on a computer. IRM insures that the information on a computer is not compromised.

I recommend: EMC has informational videos about IRM. Microsoft also provides details about information rights management.

Data sync

Data sync is a feature that allows users to hook up external portable devices such as PDAs and cell phones to the software and then seamlessly import and export data. The feature helps move information between your PC and mobile device.

I recommend: Visit IEEE for more details about data sync. WebMediaBrands also has information regarding data sync.

Spam

Spam is unwanted bulk email that is normally the result of one company selling an email list to another. Outlook offers spam filters to help weed out potential spam mail.

I recommend: CAUCE provides more details about spam and spam filters. Brad Templeton also gives details about avoiding spam. Find information about spam filters at WebMediaBrands.