Message format selection in Outlook with Word

[Brumac]

I plan to use MS Word 2000 as my email editor in Outlook
2000 (IMO)with the latest Office update on Win XP SP1. I
also use Internet Explorer and my ISP is broadband
Comcast.net.

I want to use Word formatting (numbered indents, bullets,
fonts, etc.) for my emails. I suppose the addressees who
receive my emails will get what I send provided they use
both Outlook and Word. But what if they don't?

Also, I am confused about what message format to use. My
choices seem to be "Plain Text", RTF and HTML.

What will an email recipient see if:
a. he doesn't use Outlook
b. he doesn't use Word as an email editor
c. I send using plain text
d. I send using RTF
e. I send using HTML
What message format should I use? Can most people
receive the HTML format OK?

Thank You