Microsoft Outlook or Outlook Express?

Infopackets Reader Wayne M. writes:

" Dear Dennis,

My question is regarding the two types of the Outlook program that come with Windows (Outlook and Outlook Express). Outlook Express comes with Internet Explorer and Microsoft Outlook comes with MS Office. What I would like to know is how can I make it so that I only have one on my system? It becomes very confusing with two of them. I have found that when installing MS Office, it asks to configure MS Outlook but does not transfer emails or address over from Outlook Express. I have to setup a computer for some friends who are very new to all this and I need to be able to set this up with no conflicts. Help! "

My Response:

I would just use Outlook Express. It's free and the updates are too. At least this way, everyone can use the SAME program. Since Outlook Express comes bundled with Internet Explorer, all you need to do is update the Internet Explorer to update Outlook Express:

http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com