One of the most important new features added to Outlook beginning with Microsoft Outlook 2003: blocked Web content. This feature protects your privacy by blocking “web bugs.”

As you quickly discover, newsletters and advertisements that you receive don’t display the images. While images are the most noticeable blocked item, any downloaded content is blocked, including scripts and external style sheets.

Right click on any picture placeholder or on the Infobar to show the images and internet content. You can add senders or domains to the Safe Senders list from this menu if you always want to see the images on some messages automatically. Tip: If some contacts frequently send you messages containing web content, add their name to the safe sender list instead of trusting all senders in your address book.

Tip: If you use Outlook on a metered or dial-up account, leaving images blocked can save bandwidth s well as prevents Outlook from initiating a connection as you read your messages. You can enable the images on each message when you are connected to the internet.

To change the automatic download settings, right-click on the Infobar and choose Change Automatic Download Settings to open the dialog.

You can also reach this dialog from the File, Options, Trust Center, Automatic Download dialog in Outlook 2010 and newer or using Tools, Trust Center, Automatic Download in Outlook 2007.