Hate Microsoft Outlook? Top 10 annoyances and how to fix them

6. Click More Settings and select the Outgoing Server tab. Check the box next to "My outgoing server (SMTP) requires authentication." Then select "Use same settings as my incoming mail server."

7. Click the Advanced tab. Check the box next to "This server requires an encrypted connection (SSL)" under Incoming Server (POP3).

In the box next to Outgoing server (SMTP), enter 587. Select TLS from the drop-down menu next to "Use the following type of encrypted connection:".

Make sure that 995 is in the box next to Incoming Server (POP3). The screen should look like the one below.

Gmail's advanced server options.
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8. Click OK. From the screen you're returned to, click Test Account Settings.

You should see a screen like the one below, showing you that you've set it up successfully. Click Close. From the screen that appears, click Finish. You're now ready to use Outlook with Gmail.

Success! You're now ready to use Gmail with Outlook.
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It's ironic -- or perhaps prophetic -- that we end with Gmail, since surveys indicate that more and more people are switching to Web-based mail.

In the meantime, Microsoft Office continues to dominate in corporate environments, which means workers must find ways to make peace with Outlook. I hope I've managed to set you on the path to Outlook enlightenment.

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