In the cyber world, email is one of the most important things to own. We all have a kind of love-hate relation with our email services. But it’s a bitter truth that we’re a type of slave of the service. For the corporate circle, Outlook is one of the most popular & best (possibly) email services. It’s one of the most suitable options for both personal and business usage as well.
Why use Outlook?
Why use Outlook? There are numerous reasons behind that. Here, I’ve summarized some of the main causes for you.
- If your office uses Microsoft Exchange Server, Outlook is a no-brainer. Outlook integrates the best with Exchange server than any other service.
- Outlook integrates very well with different systems and devices. You have a PDA – Outlook can be integrated. Skype syncs with Outlook. There’s hardly any desktop tool that doesn’t support Outlook.
- Thousands of add-ins for Outlook to make your life easier.
- Powerful message sorting to help you in a lot of situation and save your day.
- Offline email access – no internet, no problem. Manage your emails offline. When you’re online, the mailbox is updated and messages are sent/deleted.
- Simple user interface – it’s one of the major powers of Outlook. The interface is familiar, simple and user-friendly.
- Security – Microsoft has a bad reputation for security. However, with Outlook, security is pretty tight & hardcore. As long as you keep your client up-to-date, there’s no chance of anyone snooping into your account (unless you’re careless).
Now, you’re convinced to get your own Outlook address, right? I have my own, and trust me – you won’t regret.
However, a few more tips & tricks on using the Outlook can make you more efficient in working and easy feeling. Ready? Let’s get started.
1. PayPal with Outlook
PayPal is, by far, the most popular payment portal over the internet. Supported by 150+ countries, PayPal is a must-have on your Outlook. Microsoft has partnered with PayPal followed by Evernote, Wunderlist, Yelp, and IFTT.
For managing your PayPal right from your desktop, simply install the PayPal for Outlook add-in. It’s a big time saving for you – sending, receiving and managing your fund without opening your browser.
2. Change the primary alias
You’ll notice that there’s a system called “alias” to create multiple “@outlook.com” email addresses. This powerful method even brings all the emails directly into your inbox – the easiest way to manage all at once. Each of the addresses can be used as a “Form” address. If you wish, you can separate each of them into a folder according to your needs.
There’s a primary alias always configured for you if you set up aliases. Here’s how you’ll change the primary alias.
- Login into Outlook.com
- From the top-right corner, click the “Gear” icon.
- Go to Options >> Accounts >> Connected Accounts
- Under the “Email aliases”, click “Manage or choose a primary alias”
- Click “Make primary” next to your desired alias.
It’s just that simple!
3. Themes
As a powerful service provider, Outlook lets you customize the look according to your needs. Themes are a great way to change how Outlook feels for you. Here’s the trick to change your theme.
- Go to Options >> General >> Change Theme
Outlook has a big collection of themes. Choose your own, click to apply and voilà! However, you can’t use any third party theme yet.
4. Limit notifications
When you’re busy, you only want to respond to important emails only, right? However, Outlook will notify you of all the emails unless you configure the important emails. Let’s see how we will filter that.
At first, you need to set up a rule. The easiest way is to find out an email from that person.
- Right-click on any of the person’s email.
- Go to Rules >> Create Rule…
- In the “Create Rule” dialogue box, select the conditions – check “From …” and “Display in the New Item Alert window”.
- Click “OK”.
- Now, from the “Success” box, check “Run this rule now on messages already in the current folder” >> hit “OK”.
Done!
5. Sharing your Facebook Photos
If you’re a Facebook freak, you’re allowed to share your Facebook photos with the email. Outlook makes it really easy for you. All you have to do is to connect your account to your Facebook account.
- Go to Options >> Mail Attachment options >> Storage Accounts.
- Click on “Facebook” from the left panel.
- Login to your account.
Now, all your photos from Facebook can be shared through your email, thanks to Outlook.
Outlook is a great email client. If you’re now a fan of this service, I bet that after trying it out, you will be. With all the features, Outlook is one of the best and premium email services after all.
You can even integrate Gmail, Yahoo etc. into the Outlook client. That’s a big relief if you’re going to give it a try.
