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Open source (free) -- Mozilla Thunderbird.

I have been testing Thunderbird and I have to say I'm quite impressed.
I usually use Outlook Express and the changeover to Thunderbird has been fairly painless.
After installation, I was asked if I wished to import my emails, addresses and settings from OE, I consented and all that was left for me to do, was to enter my passwords the first time I tried to access my email.
It does take a little while to go through all the settings, to get your email delivered exactly how you would like, but the options are quite straightforward and there is a pretty good help section online.

Note: To reduce image file size, this is a simplified graphical representation of the program window.

You can customise Thunderbird to a considerable degree, by altering the toolbars and adding new themes to change the programs appearance. A fairly large selection of add ons can be downloaded, to expand the programs functionality.
I added a UK English dictionary to the spell checker, which saves me the irritation of being constantly alerted to US English spellings.

Useful features include junk mail filters, a Usenet newsgroup reader, the ability to access web mail accounts and automated program updates.
Security is good, with Phishing protection, the ability to block external images (very useful in blocking large graphics, if you are on dialup) and you can use the "simple html" setting, which makes receiving html messages much safer.

Over the years I have tried quite a few email programs, but none have impressed me much and I have always returned to Outlook Express.
But Thunderbird might just have persuaded me to change. I like the look of the software, it seems very reliable and easy to use and the built in spell check is a big plus. The only downside, is that it starts slightly slower than OE, but only by a couple of seconds.
I have been using the portable version (Although I did try the install version as well), which has the advantage that all your emails, addresses, settings etc, are saved in the program folder. So you can take it with you on a usb drive and if you should need to reinstall Windows, you can simply copy the program folder back, no more exporting and importing (sic).

Open source (free) -- Download size 6.5Mb -- Win 98se, Me, NT 4.0, 2000, XP, Vista

http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/thunderbird/

Portable version: http://portableapps.com/apps/internet/thunderbird_portable

Additional: Since writing this review I have stayed with portable Thunderbird and it is now my email program of choice.

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