When I worked as a volunteer assistant to help Internet users, I noticed that fifty percent of the users do not even know what e-mail software they are using. First of all, you need to know what e-mail software you are using, its features, specifications, and should know everything on the help and read me files of that software. Then you need to compare it with other software on the market. Microsoft Outlook, Outlook Express, Netscape Mail, and Eudora are well-known and commonly used e-mail softwares.

There are reported bugs that could allow hackers to creep in and destroy data on your hard drive. The known defect exists only in recent versions of Microsoft Outlook 98, Outlook Express and Netscape Mail. Those programs are broadly used in business but specialists say majority of home PC users are using by "site-specific programs" such as AOL and Eudora, which have built-in protections against such flaws.

" Strangely enough, there have been no reports of "attacks" by hackers taking advantage of the flaws that were discovered by Finnish researchers. If you do use the affected e-mail programs, quick fixes are on the way."

"Protect Against E-mail Hackers" ThirdAge Media. July 31, 1998

When flaws found, fixes generally available within two weeks from the software vendors and from their websites. You just need to know its existence. So, be aware what you are using and try to find its vulnerabilities just like a hacker.

Bug fixes can be found at:
http://www.netscape.com (For Netscape Mail)