Windows Live Hotmail logo

Windows Live Hotmail for Webware

By Microsoft Free Editors' Rating

Editors' Review

Download.com Staff Feb 27, 2009

This Web-based e-mail client is easy to use, but it doesn't offer much in storage space compared to competing sites. MSN Hotmail isn't a downloadable application; rather, a link takes you to MSN's site to register for a Hotmail account.

The Inbox interface is very intuitive to use, thanks to large, clearly marked buttons, although it is a little cluttered with the Flash advertisements that are typical of Web-based e-mail clients. The default font size is a bit small, but that and other settings are simple to change from the Options menu. The interface for composing a message is very clean and included no ads during our tests. When we set up an appointment or added a contact, however, the site responded sluggishly and we were unable to save those new listings. Otherwise, the program responded quickly when we performed other tasks.

The basic e-mail services are free, but competing sites such as Yahoo! and Gmail offer larger storage capacity and more readable font sizes. Regardless, if you're searching for a Web-based e-mail client that you can use anywhere, and storage size isn't an issue, Hotmail is worth trying out.

Full Specifications

What's new in version

General

Release November 7, 2008
Date Added May 5, 2005

Operating Systems

Operating Systems Webware
Additional Requirements None

Popularity

Total Downloads 155,516
Downloads Last Week 24
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User Reviews

3.1/5
44 User Votes
5 Star
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1 Star

Developer's Description

With Hotmail, anyone can read and receive e-mail messages from any computer in the world. It's great for people who use more than one computer, travel frequently, or do not own a computer. Your messages are stored in a central location, so your Inbox is always up to date, no matter where you are. With Hotmail you can feel more secure. With powerful spam filters and thorough virus scanning & cleaning, it helps keep your inbox free from contamination. Easily connect & share. A huge 5GB inbox and the ability to send up to 10MB files or photo so that you can send & receive e-mail from any Web connection. Express yourself with unique emotions, signatures, background choices, fonts & layout styles.
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