2 Kmail Questions

I have abandoned my quest to find a Linux equivalent to Outlook and now I am scratching around to find individual apps that will provide something similar to the functions of Outlook. I am considering using Kmail as an e-mail option. Can anyone tell me: a) Is it possible to completely close the auto-view (pain) pane? By close I mean disable it completely, not just minimize it out of sight. b) Is there any true message archive facility within Kmail? TIA Dave