Picking the Outlook Web Access (OWA) Version That's Right for You
In OWA 2003, you had a choice between OWA Premium and OWA Basic. With OWA 2007, the Premium version is used by default in Internet Explorer. You will have an option to choose OWA Light when you log on, if desired. If you are a non-IE user (e.g. Firefox), you will only have access to OWA Light, and cannot choose which one to use.
OWA Light is recommended for those who will be using OWA for more straightforward tasks, such as checking email and looking up contacts. This version is also best for those with slower Internet connections.
The OWA Premium client offers additional features, which will be useful for more advanced tasks. Some of these features may require IE 6 and/or 7.
If you have Office 2003 or 2007, you will notice some similarities in appearance, navigation and other features between Outlook 2003/2007, and your new OWA page. The following sections will introduce the new features of OWA 2007, and differentiate between those available in the Lite and Premium versions.
Logon/Logoff Improvements
The OWA logon page not only looks different, it will also provide better security for your personal information. Your information will be stored in a cookie, not in the browser as it was before. This means that your logon information will be cleared (and you will have to log on again) when you close your browser, or if you leave it inactive for a period of time.
Notice that in addition to the OWA Light selection, the logon page has a Private/Public Computer option under the Security section. If you are on a public computer (in the library, computer lab, etc.), timeout occurs after fifteen minutes of inactivity. You will have more time on your private computer.
It is important to understand that while these new features significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access to your email account, they are not a substitute for the precautions you are currently taking to protect your privacy. Always make sure you log off before you exit OWA, and never disclose your password to anyone.
New Views
- Choice of five color schemes
- Selection of the number of items viewable per page in the Mail, Tasks and Contact views
- Available Two-Line View displays more information about an email in your Inbox, Trash folder, etc.
- Mail icons help to describe the type and status of emails
Premium only features:
- Multi-colored follow-up flagging for messages
- Reading Pane allows you to view emails in the same window as your Inbox.
- Shortcut menus allow quick access to related commands, such as Reply and Delete, by right-clicking on messages and folders.
- Refreshing of a page does not occur every time you make a change to a list, thus reducing traffic on the network.
Navigation
- Navigation pane contains shortcuts and folder tree. The size of the pane is customizable in Premium version.
Premium only features:
- Keyboard shortcuts for common actions
- The Log Off button has been moved to the right-hand side of the toolbar.
- Search Folders contain saved searches for particular subjects, senders, etc. in your mailbox.
- Public folders are presented in a separate window
- Notifications setup for new message arrival, tasks and calendar events.
Sending and Receiving Emails
- Available auto-signature, customizable color and style with Premium
- External content blocking option
- Junk mail filtering
- Attachment blocking for certain types of files
- Reply, Forward, and Sensitivity information displayed in InfoBar
- Ability to activate and deactivate Out of Office Assistant auto reply
- Ability to open, view and print Office documents without having the Microsoft Office features installed
Premium only features:
- Spell Check available in several languages
- Compose messages from your Address Book
- Rules for email handling may be set up
- Set default font for emails
- Add addressees in received mail to your Contacts list
- Send messages from the Find Names dialogue box
- Send and receive encrypted email (Internet Explorer on Windows 2000 or later)
Calendar and Task Improvements
- Create and manage new Tasks, including recurring tasks. Reminders for tasks also available with Premium
- Meeting Requests and Cancellations may be replied to and forwarded
Premium only features:
- Meeting reminders available