Opera Mail 8.01 

Opera Mail, even though bundled with Opera Web browser, came out fastest in installation and also takes up the least disc space (10 MB) as compared to the others. This is one e-mail client that spreads across the maximum number of platforms including Windows, Linux, Mac, Solaris, FreeBSD, OS/2 and

QNX. 

The overall package comprises a small and fast e-mail client and RSS feed reader. One of its special

features (called 'access points') being relevant messages showing up all across the browser modules (folders, contacts, saved searches etc) making searches in Opera a lot easier as compared to others. The Gmail type 'quick reply' function (which is a quick reply text box available underneath each received mail, such that the user can reply to the sender without having to open a new compose window), is really handy and does what its name

suggests; this function is only available on Opera so far. 

The integrated Bayesian spam filter of Opera learns from your classifications and spots junk mail

precisely, although it learns a 



little slower as compared to Thunderbird. The detection number was that of 202 as
compared to Thunderbird's 210 out of the total 210 spam mails. The interface allows the user to a higher level of labeling and

organizing capabilities as compared to others. Opera is known for concentrating a lot upon

security issues, but the mail client does not support secure message signing and encryption. Also,

we noticed that Opera lacks HTML support in outgoing mails, flexible message 



templates and advanced automation. Opera can be downloaded for free from www.opera.com and carries an ad banner on its free version.