Microsoft Upgrades Hotmail Web Mail Site

Dec. 5, 2003 -- Earlier this week, Microsoft announced a new version of its MSN online service that will be available in early January. In addition, the company unveiled a new version of Hotmail, its Web-based e-mail service.

This update, already available to the general public, includes improved spam filters, calendar software, and a contact application for keeping track of names, addresses, and phone numbers.

Much like the similar services from Yahoo! and Mail.com, Hotmail lets you send and receive e-mail via the Internet using any browser. You don't need a standalone e-mail client or an e-mail address assigned by an employer or ISP, and if you're willing to forgo a few amenities, you can use the service for free.

A few minor changes appear in the service's overall interface. The company says that opening and editing your list of favorite contacts is easier, for instance.

Microsoft also points to improved anti-spam tools that use technology from Brightmail, one of the leading vendors in the field. You can also adjust the stringency of the service's junk mail filters and alert Microsoft to specific spam messages.

But the real news is the addition of calendar and contact software.

Much like Outlook, Microsoft's standalone e-mail client, Hotmail now lets you share your calendar with friends and family, receive reminders for important appointments, and navigate through the phone numbers and addresses of all your contacts.

A basic version of Hotmail is free, giving you 2MB of storage for messages, 1MB for attachments, and a tool that scans for (without removing) viruses. A pay version of Hotmail is available for $19.95, giving you 10MB of message storage and 3MB for attachments.

According to Microsoft, more than 145 million people use Hotmail each month.