The OEM version of Windows XP Home Edition comes with very little in the way of pre-installed software.  There was Windows Media Player, Internet explorer, and possibly Outlook Express.  However if Outlook Express was there, I binned binned off very quickly!

There is a lot of open-source software out there which is free and in many cases better than those supplied by Microsoft.  Thunderbird was my choice of e-mail editor.  This is developed by Mozilla who produce the internet browser Firefox.  There are many things that I love about this programme.

It spell checks as you type

It is completely customable, like Firefox there unending extensions that can be installed bringing additional features to Firefox.  For example you editor can have calendars, to do lists, currency converters and many more.  Furthermore the theme can be changed so not only will it do exactly what you want, but it will look how you want as well (yes there's even a theme that makes it look like Outlook – if that's what floats you boat!)

The junk mail filter adapts to your needs.  Over time it learns what is and is not junk, not only that but it seems to learn pretty quickly.  However nothing is lost straight away as you can choose how long junk mail is kept before being deleted.

As well as the junk mail filter, Firebox comes with a phishing filter.  In these days of itentity theft we have to be careful of handing over log-in details and personal info.  Firebox will warn you if it believes an email to be a scam.  Once again it learns what is legitimate mail, so it can tell the difference between your on-line credit card statement, and someone who just wants your credit card.