Hi Airway,
If you just want to avoid web based e-mail, you might find
Incredimail suits your needs. It doesn't use OLE, but rather it's own interface. It's free, so you can try it, and if it's not suitable, then a quick uninstall and it's gone. If you do like it, it's still free..
I don't use it myself, but it's a popular application, and I've not seen any problems with it on any of the computer forums I help out on.
And if nothing else, judging by the flash presentation on their site, your kids (if you have any) will love all the styles, sounds and animations you get with it..
Cheers
Liam