Rather than explain each of Outlook Express' scores of options, I'll describe the 10 tabs in the Tools > Options dialog box. (Most tabs have buttons that open
more dialog boxes.) Many options are self-explanatory, but you can right-click an option for a "What's This?" pop-up tip.
General options control what happens when Outlook Express starts and when messages are sent and received (Figure 14.19 ).
Read options control how Inbox messages are treated, and let you change their font and font size (Figure 14.20 ).
Receipts adds a
return receipt to your outgoing messages, letting you know when your message has been read (if the recipient agrees to return it). Return receipts generally annoy recipients, and not all email programs support them.
Send options control how outgoing messages are treated and let you change the default sending format (Figure 14.21 ).
Compose lets you specify the font for outgoing messages, add fancy
stationery t237 messages (don't bother), and include electronic business cards with outgoing messages so that your recipients can add you to their address books.
Signatures is described in the Tips in "Sending Email" earlier in this chapter.
Spelling configures the spell-check feature, which works only if Microsoft Word is installed on your computer.
Security has options for virus protection and sending secure email, as well as using encryption and digital IDs.
Connection controls dial-up options and your internet connection (Chapter 12), which Outlook Express shares with Internet Explorer.
Maintenance has housekeeping features for cleaning up old messages and downloads.