Coping With Lots of E-Mail

Consider using filters (message rules) to automatically move incoming mails to logical folders of your choice. For example, if you work in support, you may move messages to folders called Requests, Follow-up, Internal, and Private. Then, consider how much time should be allocated to handling the mail in each folder. Spam and mail from new persons will not be moved, and thus easier to handle.

In MS Outlook, you may do this by clicking at Organize, or by selecting Tools | Message rules.

Another trick is to give each mail from a known sender an automatic color code. For example, mark all mails from kids with red, those from members of your family with green, and mails from teachers with blue. Mails from new persons will have no color, and easier to single out for handling.

In Outlook 2000, press the Organize button on the Tool bar. A drop-down will appear in out mailbox. (Ways to Organize Inbox). Press the "Using Colors" tab. To set rules for this press "Automatics Formatting" in the upper right corner.

In Outlook Express, try this:

1. Edit - Select all Messages
2. Tools-Message Rules
3. Mail
4. Select the conditions for your rule
5. For example: "when the Form line contains specific words"
6. Select the actions for your rule
7. Highlight it with color
8. Then click on the link "contains specific words"
9. Type specific words or phrase and click ADD
10. OK
11. Click on the link color
12. Select the color of your message
13. OK
14. Apply Now

If your email program can handle it, consider making copies of all received mail to an archive mailbox of your choice. Personally, I keep all important mail on my disk dating back to 1990. It does not take much space, and allows you check history whenever needed.