The list
KMail (Linux KDE)
Rule number one: don't use this product with an old system capable of less than 1024x768 video resolution. The configuration dialog box is large — despite the use of tabs. As a part of the Linux KDE platform you can expect to find KMail on any Linux machine running KDE. A Fedora Core distribution was used for this review, which also came with Evolution and Thunderbird as a bonus.
In theory, KMail is a flexible product designed to suit a wide audience. There are a multitude of configuration operations defining how mail appears on the screen — and yet despite this, Enex staff could not convince KMail to display images in HTML emails.
It's a pity given the trouble developers have gone to, to include a structure viewer for HTML mail (was this included so that one can identify how well/badly the email was rendered?). Other HTML formatting features were rendered as expected.
KDE features a calendar application called KOrganizer. KOrganizer integrates with groupware servers such as OpenGroupware and Kolab. Invitations and calendar attachments delivered via KMail can be directly transferred to KOrganizer. KMail also integrates with various spam and virus filters.
Filtering rules show a very similar range of options to that seen with Evolution, no doubt reflecting the sharing of ideas prevalent in the open source community. Filtering is focused on both organisation and security. KMail is serious about both aspects. HTML can be disabled and PGP encryption can be applied to messages. Filters may not function with standard IMAP, but should work with the newer disconnected IMAP.
Filters can also be used in conjunction with identities. Identities can be associated with email accounts (on a per message basis) so that messages from one email address could be sent to separate user identities according to content recognised by filters.
Enex does not recommend that business users rush out and start using KMail as their default email client (even if they already have Linux machines in front of every user). While today's average office worker is far more tech-savvy than a few years ago, most won't want to deal with configuration options, no matter how wonderful they are.
The relevant help file was available (too often you have to hunt down help files for free software). Unfortunately, the style of the manual leaves much to be desired; it is heavy in terms of text and includes no diagrams or screenshots. The manual is not difficult to use, but may appear so to beginners.
(Credit: KDE)
(Credit: KDE)






The screenshot of the Lotus Notes R8.5 mail file is showing an R5 mail file design, not a R8.5 The calendar is showing R8.5.