Outlook and the iPad (or other computer, for that matter)

Your decision tree looks like this:

Do you want to stick with Outlook or go to something else?

I.  Stick with Outlook:

Advantages:
1.  You may be able to install Outlook yourself- no cost for installation.  There is some risk.
2.  You will have an environment that is somewhat easier to learn;

Disadvantages:
1.  There will be a learning curve over the 2003 version, since the new outlook has a ribbon interface and some important functions have been moved around enough that they are hard to find- sometimes even help isn't that helpful. Tthere will be some trial and error or time spent watching the tutorials, even for he experienced Outlook user.  (Maybe I should say "especially for the experienced Outlook user.)
2.  The initial software cost: is over $100.

II.  If you don't stick with outlook, there are a number of "free" alternatives.

Advantages:
1.  No software cost
2.  May actually open up additional functionality and convenience.

Disadvantages
1.  Learning curve, though perhaps not as much as going from your current version of Outlook to a new version.
2.  You may have to pay for installation- transferring the outlook database, contacts and calendar to the new environment.  This depends on your skill and patience.

Three to mention:

1.  Windows Live- the replacement to Outlook Express, has the standard function of the old Outlook.
2.  Thunderbird- an opensource alternative that is highly configurable and more function than outlook... if you want to learn to use the new function.  But "out-of-the-box this looks like a fancy version of 2003.
3.  Google- In general, this would be a web client.  However, if you want quick download and disconnect, then you would want to fire up a client on such occasions.  One such situation is when you are on a cruise. Then you could use any iPad email client.  Google is my choice for web email client, even if your ISP happens to be AOL or ATT.  That is because it is "light:"  not a lot of ads and expecially no animated ads; and it has a lot of configuration features that link with email clients and Google Desktop.

III.  Not worry about synching to your outlook database at all.

Assuming you have an iPad email client, create the POP3 account for ATT, the same way you did for Outlook. Upload your contacts list to ATT on occasion to keep it recent.  Download it to your iPad email client.  Then turn it on.

Note that both your Outlook and your iPad email client would be set to delete from the ATT database only when the Delete folder contents are deleted.  This would keep the two clients somewhat in synch.  (This assumes the iPad email client has this capability.)

I've read something about the standard iPad email client:  http://www.ipadforums.net/ipad-help/17767-email-options.html.  You might read through that and maybe another client would be better for you.  In fact, Thunderbird- option 2 above- is one of those, leaving me with the thought of good fung shui, since both clients are the same.

I haven't followed through on what goodies Thunderbird offers for synching multiple instances of the database.  Usually someone will develop a utility for this.  But synching email isn't necessary when the clients are configured to leave on the server and then delete when the delete folder is emptied.  Synching contacts can be an issue, but this can be overcome with a web client like google, which can be considered the golden source, and the client synchs to that source when downloading.  (Possibly you would have to start this process manually, depending on the capabilities of the client.)

OK, so assuming you go with an Outlook upgrade:

1.  You can get Outlook separately or as part of the Office Pro package.  Always get the latest version.
2.  There are three  on-line places to shop around here, in addition to just typing "Outlook 2010 2011 prices" as a search phrase.  These are:  Microsoft Store, Amazon, and Costco.  Don't expect the prices to vary more than 15%.  Sometimes Microsoft will have a special one day deal, like the time I was able to get a Dell Netbook free with the purchase of an Office Pro license.  
3.  Always do the download, if available, AND get a DVD.  The latter is important when trying to recover from a crash or transferring to a new machine.
4.  There are two configurations to every Office deal:  a card and the full package.  The card is a license for only 1 machine.  It is often somewhat less expensive.  The other is a license for 3 machines.  If it needs to be installed on more than 3 machines, then consult Microsoft small business for price options.

Where's your cordless phone?

Having trouble with your wireless keyboard and mouse?  How about your wireless reception?  If you have placed your cordless phone- even just the handset- between your router and any receiving wireless device or between your mouse or keyboard and the wireless transmitter, then you will experience communication problems.  These include unexplained wireless "drops" and "low signal" notices from your wireless receiver.  So, where's your cordless phone today?

How Can My Contacts Be Stolen and Used for Spamming When They Are Only Stored on My ATT web email Account?

This is, to me, a question that must be answered by any ATT.  On their main support site they provide the following information.
 

My att.net email account is sending Spam to my contacts Some users have reported that their contacts received spam that originated from their att.net Mail account.  If you've experienced this issue, your account has likely been compromised and was used by an unauthorized third party to send spam or fraudulent emails to your contact list.  It is a strong possibility that one or more of your computers has been compromised with a virus or other malicious software, putting all your personal data at risk, including your email address and password information. AT&T Information Security Services recommends you take the following steps to recover full control of your account information: Make sure all computers on your network are clean and your network is secure Wireless Security: If you utilize a wireless-capable connection device, please ensure that the wireless connectivity is disabled if it is not being used or that security is enabled for the wireless connection. If security is not enabled anyone within range of the device can use the connection and you as the account holder will be held responsible for any activity originating from your connection. Change your Password By changing your password immediately, you can minimize the resulting risk for your att.net account. You may want to change it immediately to secure your account and again once you are sure your network is clean. For help selecting a strong password and/or safeguarding it against misuse, please review the tips posted in the password section of the Yahoo! Security Center. Other considerations: Notify contacts - Use an alternate email address or another form of contact to warn your contacts not to open anything from your compromised email address. Recommend that they use updated firewall and anti-virus protection and keep all security patches updated. They should also run an anti-virus scan. Create a new email address - If you don't mind losing your email address it's best to start fresh and create a new one. You can go here to create new AT&T sub accounts. Keep records - Your email address is linked to many of your online activities. If your ID is compromised, you don't want the bad guys asking your bank to send a new user name and password to that email account. Keep track of every activity tied to your email account, and if the account is compromised, immediately notify your bank, credit card company and any other related accounts. Put online purchases on hold - You'll want to make sure your computer is virus-free before you start entering credit card numbers for online purchases. Some malicious software enables criminals to track every key stroke a computer makes.

To me this does not answer the root cause question- how did someone get the contact list from my ATT net account.   (This assumes that your contacts are not on your computer.)  It seems that, if I run the right anti-malware programs and find nothing, then it is ATT itself that is compromised!  So… I contacted ATT and this is my dialog: 

You: I am asking this question on behalf of our entire community. Our community has been hit by spam. It seems to be originating from one person, at least the emails have the person's bellsouth email in the FROM field. The person ONLY has contacts in ATT web email; nothing on the computer. Consultant: I do apologize for the inconvenience this has caused you. I'll do my very best to help. You: So, I've read what is on the ATT/Yahoo web site regarding this. I've checked the person's computer for malware using the most advanced techniques. Nothing. So, I need to tell everyone in the community (about 500 homes, almost all ATT subscribers) how this happened and what to do. How could someone get the person's contact list? Or, perhaps is it actually a spoof, with someone else's computer having the infection. I need a good explanation other than ".change password.". Consultant: I am very sorry that this is happening. I apologize for the inconvenience that this is causing. You That doesn't "feel good" to any of your subscribers. The "change password". is a syndrome fix, not a diagnosis of the problem. Consultant: It's possible that the person might have open a spam email or replay to it that's why it had the contacts or was able to access email. You I don't understand the sentence. Let me try to rephrase it. Consultant: I mean it's possible that she did open a spam email or she may have replay to a spam email. You The person is on ATT email. The person opens a spam. NOTHING gets to the person's computer, since there is no evidence of malware on it. But person responds to the spam. That gives the spammer the person's email. Is that what you are saying? Consultant: Yes, that is correct. Here's a link on how you can recognize , avoid and report spam emails. You BUT! How did they get her contact list? Consultant: pushes page,http://www.att.com/esupport/article.jsp?sid=KB400544#fbid=8i-hEC2IzAb You: OK, I read that before I contacted you. That doesn't help diagnose this problem, it only throws a bunch of potential solutions without isolating the cause. The big question: How did they get the person's contact list? Please answer. Consultant: There are some spam email that asked for the account information and if you reply to that email , it will allow the spammer to access your email and copy all your contacts or send a spam email to your contact. You The person didn't give a password. Consultant:t The spammer have there own way on accessing your account with the information that you provide. There are some spammer that even use your email address in sending the spam email. You Here is a scenario I want to pass by you as a root cause. I want you to say that this is a likely cause and then I want you to pass it on to ATT supervisor for action. On your last note about "their own way" you mean they have a password generation routine? But that doesn't make since. Don't you shut down a email account if 3 unsuccessful attempts are made? Consultant:t I suggest that you change your password and go over the link that I gave you to recognize and avoid spam emails. Yes, email are block after three attempts , if password or email address are not entered correctly. You: OK, but here's what I think and I want you to pass to your superiors. I think the email goes to the spammer and the spammer checks Facebook. I think they get the contacts from facebook through a robot that trolls unprotected facebook accounts. Consultant: You can forward the spam email that you receive to abuse&att.net so that we can check on that and block it from our server. You So... what needs to be added to your instructions is how to avoid exposing information on facebook. A link to the instructions on facebook security provided by the facebook organization, along with some words about how that exposes their email account and what actions in the instructions the user should follow should be a top priority of ATT Consultant: Yes, I'll make sure that my supervisor will be able to review this chat session and I'll be posting a note on your account regarding this issue. Yes, I'll make sure those things are noted.

I really don’t feel comfortable with the response, because they can not describe how someone with no malware can have their contact list stolen other than to perhaps point the finger of responsibility to someone else.  Assuming the spammer/hacker has obtained the password within 3 guesses is, to me, absurd!

The most likely scenario is that the hacker got to this person’s email through another computer that had a contact list on it (not on ATT).

The only other explanation is that the person was infected with a special piece of malware that, when the person is logged on to ATT, can command ATT to download the contact list.  After the contact list is transferred through the firewall(s)! to the spammer, the infection complete removes itself, so not a trace is left. Remarkable!
 
The hacker/spammer then sends emails to everyone on that infected computer’s list, using addresses in the contact list for the from address.  So… changing your password doesn’t help at all!

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