M$ makes a buck off Outlook v Outlook Express

Looks like Hotmail no longer supports Outlook Express HTTP access. Meanwhile Gmail has added HTTP support, as well as POP3. Just today, my old faithful Outlook Express began failing to access Hotmail. I checked online and changed the password, to no avail. I used the help feature, and found that Outlook is mentioned (I actually have a copy from school days.) I suppose I could migrate and learn to use Outlook, but I am bummed that the old FREE is being crucified on the corporate alter of greed. Outlook Express comes free with XP, but Outlook is part of Office, and costs. *rob sighs here* I am still able to check it online. Next thing to go will be my choice of browser I fear. My AT&T entertainment site does not support my SeaMonkey browser (Mozilla product) already, so I know the product can be crippled so that only IE will work. I guess that's the opposite of open standards. Used to be that HTTP and TCP/IP were standards that everybody could rely on to work. This is why I am so fond of the idea of the ISO or a new entity like the ASO (American Standards Organization) having a branch like the IEEE, called the SWIEE. Norway is taking a stand with Sweden in Europe, so all is not lost... I hope the land of the free and the home of the brave can see it's way to discuss the issue soberly in public. http://www.theinquirer.net/gb/inquirer/news/2007/12/20/norway-mandates-government-odf