Kontact - a Free Linux Alternative to Microsoft Outlook

Kontact is part of the KDE desktop for Linux users. It is more than just a program; in fact, it is five or six independent programs, tightly integrated with a common interface. Kontact is not just an email program, it also is a Newsgroup client, Note-taking application, Blog reader, Calendar, and more.

Many of the "pieces" can be used separately. KMail, for instance, is actually the email component of Kontact. Basket is the standalone name for the note-taking component, while Akregator is the name for the Blog (RSS and Atom) reader. Each piece, as mentioned, can be used separately, but when used together are a very powerful tool.

When you open Kontact for the first time, you are shown a summary. This summery can be anything from appointments you have that day, new emails, any birthdays or special events, or more. This summary page is customizable by the user, so it really is up to you. You can also choose not to see the summary page. If the first thing you do every morning is sit down with a cup of coffee and read your blogs, then Kontact can be set up to always show the Akregator module when you start the program.