Remember when Penn State first gave you your user ID? You probably wondered how you were supposed to access your e-mail with it.

By now you are an e-mail veteran. To access your e-mail on Penn State's system you most likely use a POP3, or Post Office Protocol version 3, e-mail program.

The question is: Why did you choose the e-mail program you use? Is it because it came preinstalled on your computer? Is it because the Center for Academic Computing recommended it? Do you use it for its features or easiness?

If you are clueless about the features to your e-mail program, or want to learn more about the different programs available, today is your lucky day.

Let's discuss a few of the most popular programs, including their features, advantages and disadvantages. Then you can decide if you are using the right program.

We'll start by discussing Microsoft Outlook. This program, a part of Microsoft Office software suite, is popular with students because of its functionality. Besides acting as an e-mail client, Outlook also features a calendar, a Rolodex of contacts, a to-do list and a notebook.

If you are familiar with other Microsoft products and want a simple program that concentrates solely on e-mail, Outlook has a scaled-down sibling called Outlook Express.

The main difference is Outlook is designed principally for one user and Outlook Express is designed for multiple users on the same computer.

Although Outlook lets you import e-mail from more than one account, features such as the calendar and to-do list are limited to the single user of the program.

Outlook Express, on the other hand, is a great program for situations when more than one person share a computer. This program has separate password-protected profiles with separate mailboxes and address books.

If you have a Windows PC with Microsoft Office, Outlook is preinstalled and an icon to access it should be located on your desktop. If you do not have Office and are a student, pick up your free software at the Center for Academic Computing.

Outlook Express should be preinstalled with Windows, and you can access it by going to "Start-Program Files-Outlook Express."

The e-mail function of both versions of Outlook is nearly identical. Both versions support html extensions, which means you can send and receive messages in the format of Web sites.

The largest disadvantage to the Outlook programs relates to viruses. Some viruses, such as last year's "I Love You" virus, are designed to spread through Outlook.

Outlook and Outlook Express are susceptible to viruses because of a feature called macros that allow the virus to change the settings of Microsoft Office programs.

A prime example of this is the "Romeo and Juliet" virus that is spreading throughout campus. This virus is spreading because when an Outlook user receives the virus, it is automatically sent to everyone on that person's address book. The reason? Because of Outlook's macro feature.

An e-mail program that features better virus protection is Eudora. This is another popular POP3 e-mail program. CAC issues this program to students and the program is on all Windows computers on campus.

Also, Eudora is my personal e-mail program of choice. Here's why:

—Eudora is relatively easy to use. It features a display of icons across the top of the screen for each main function, such as checking and sending mail messages, composing a new message and checking the inbox.

—Eudora's address book allows you to store the contact information of individuals and groups. When sending an e-mail to a pre-saved group, you can simply type in the name of the group.

—Eudora's filter feature allows you to separate incoming messages into separate mailboxes. For example, as a member of the Smeal College, I have all of my Smeal listserv bulletins sent to a mailbox I call "Smeal College."

—Perhaps the best feature of Eudora is its protection from macro viruses. Unlike Outlook, users of Eudora do not need to worry about viruses being sent to everyone in their address book.

—Eudora also has some fun features. MoodWatch, available on Eudora 5.0, will "watch your mood." If your messages contain profanity, a message will pop up saying, "Your message is the sort of thing that might get your keyboard washed out with soap." Also, MoodWatch will sort incoming messages based on their level of profanity. An ice cube symbolizes clean messages, and there is a scale of one to three chili peppers, three being the most severe. This is a controversial feature, and not popular with everybody. It can easily be disabled under "Tools-Options."

Eudora's principle problem? If you are sharing a computer or have more than one POP3 e-mail address you will be unable to access the other addresses using this program. Eudora is designed for a single user. This is why you need either a floppy disk or space on the U drive to use Eudora in the computer labs.

To obtain your free copy of Eudora visit the Center for Academic computing or download your copy at www.eudora.com. You can either get Eudora Light or Eudora Pro with advertisements. I would go with Eudora Pro, as the ads aren't obtrusive and the extra features are worth it.

Choose an e-mail program based on your needs. If you have only one e-mail address, and want an e-mail program that focuses solely on email, use Eudora. In my opinion, it is the best and easiest-to-use e-mail program. If you have only one e-mail address and want to use a program that allows you to use other options, such as create a daily schedule, use Outlook. This program is decent. It runs very similar to other Microsoft Office programs and is relatively easy to use.

Use Outlook Express if you are sharing a computer simply because of its easy ability to handle many e-mail accounts. If you are currently using Outlook Express and have only one e-mail address, you might want to consider switching to Outlook. It has the same functionality as Outlook Express plus added features.

Let me know if these suggestions work for you. Based on the large response to last week's column, I want to clarify a few things. Windows Media Player does, in fact, have a CD ripper. To access it, go to "Tools" then "Options" and click on the "CD Audio" tab. It will give the settings, including the directory your files will be copied to.

Still, the RealJukebox CD ripper is much easier to find and use, so I would recommend it over Media Player. As well as copying in the Real format, you can copy your CDs in other formats in the RealJukebox by going to "Tools" then "Preferences" then clicking on the "Audio Quality" tab. Under "Format" you can choose MP3 as well as Wave format.

Thanks to everyone who responded to last week's column. I enjoyed receiving your feedback. Keep the questions and comments coming. Due to the recent outbreak of viruses on campus, my next column will be about virus protection. I'll discuss how to get free virus protection programs, update your current program and protect your computer against the latest viruses.