Адресная книга Windows: История и функциональность

Address book application used in Windows XP and before. Windows Address Book was a component of Microsoft Windows that lets users keep a single list of contacts that can be shared by multiple programs. It is most commonly used by Outlook Express. It was introduced with Internet Explorer 3 in 1996 and improved in subsequent versions. The Windows Address Book API can query LDAP servers or read/write data to a local file. In Windows Vista, Windows Address Book was replaced with Windows Contacts.

The Windows Address Book is an application that has a local database and user interface for finding and editing information about people, making it possible to query network directory servers using Lightweight Directory Access Protocol. Other applications can also use the WAB. Microsoft Office Outlook uses its own store for email messages. However, it can import contacts from the format. Microsoft Exchange / Windows Messaging uses file for Personal Address Book.

Can store comprehensive contact information in tabs including personal and business information. Integrates with Outlook Express. Programmable API to work with other applications. Applications can also extend functionality such as adding more tabs and fields to store additional custom information or customizing the toolbar. Can store contacts inside contact groups and folders. Can selectively send email to contacts only in plain text for additional security. Can export and import cards to and from vCard 2.1 and CSV formats. Can also import from LDIF and other formats. Search for entries in the contact database, arrange contacts by first name or last name. Automatically add contacts from received email. Prints contact lists as memo, business card or phone list styles.

In May 2000 the ILOVEYOU virus showed how the Windows Address Book could be part of an exploit to spread malicious software by accessing and sending email to a user's contacts. This approach has since been adopted by many commercial spammers.