Webmail accounts are convenient but there are times when you want to use a proper email program. Windows Live Hotmail and Office Live Mail accounts cannot be accessed in this way without a paid subscription, unless you download the Outlook Connector for Outlook.

Installation is simple, although you will need to validate your copy of Office (this tool now works with both Internet Explorer and Firefox). Once installed, it appears as an extra menu in Outlook. Enter the account details as well as the name you want to appear on the emails and Outlook will download the emails. It is possible to set up several accounts.

If the online account supports it, it is also possible to access the calendar, tasks and notes. The Live Mail contacts can also be used.