CNET Editors' note: Beta or prerelease software is not intended for inexperienced users, as the software may contain bugs or may potentially damage your system. We strongly recommend that users exercise caution and save all mission-critical data before installing or using this software.
CNET Editors' review
Lightning makes Thunderbird soar above Outlook for home use, and places it on nearly equal ground in the office. It includes an overhauled interface with easy-to-use buttons for jumping between email and your calendar, LDAP directory support for event invites, and Sun Java Calendar Server support.
Work on the plug-in is now handled by Mozilla as they prepare to integrate its code into Thunderbird for the big version 3 update coming later this year, but that doesn't mean the plug-in isn't ready for prime-time now. A menu bar for switching between mail and calendar views can live either above or below the folder tree on the left. On the right side of the main pane is a new panel for quickly viewing and managing events and tasks. Option-heavy, it can show only events, only tasks, both, or hide the pane completely, as well as make changes to and create new events and tasks.
Events are searchable at the calendar top. Just below it is a hideable pane showing upcoming events in a spreadsheet format. There are built-in presets for the next seven, 14, and 31 days, and they can be arranged by start date, end date, title, location, and calendar. Lightning supports multiple calendars, including iCal, and has bidirectional support for Google Calendar with the Provider for Google Calendar plug-in.
There is also support for Exchange servers, although for enterprise use fans of Thunderbird/Lightning will likely have to talk to their tech support teams to get the servers configured properly. That, of course, is the biggest drawback compared to Outlook. Old bugs relating to timezone management and invitation responses have been eliminated, though, making this add-on an absolute requirement for all users, both at home and in the office.
Publisher's Description
From Mozilla Calendar Project:
Lightning is an extension for Mozilla Thunderbird and Mozilla SeaMonkey that adds an integrated calendar. It is based on the standalone Mozilla Sunbird calendar application, and includes interoperability with Microsoft Exchange servers, Google Calendar, and other calendaring apps.
What's new in this version: Version 1.2 beta 1 updates timezones to 2001n which fixes timezone issues for Russian users in particular, provides hooks to allow provider extensions to install an ACL Manager, and includes some fixes for the Chandler CalDAV Server.
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All versions:
3.4 starsout of 31 votes
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Current version:
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My rating:
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"Very nice plug-in that replaces Outlook nicely"
Version: Mozilla Lightning 1.0 beta 1
Pros
Seems to have all of the functions and features I need to replace Outlook. The address book has a nice interface and I really can't complain about it. (especially for free!)
Cons
I have not yet found a plug-in to work with my Blackberry's schedule synchronizer which is a major aggravation... still looking though.
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"Awesome addon & a must-have for Thunderbird."
Version: Mozilla Lightning 1.0 beta 1
Pros
Integration with Google Calendar & Yahoo Calendar too. The integration with Yahoo is easy using CalDAV protocol.
Cons
Integration with GMail calendar requires a little workaround which might not be pleasing to beginners.
Summary
A must have extension if you love Thunderbird. Integrates with online calendars. Yahoo mail users will have no problem integrating Yahoo calendar with it. Proper instructions are given at Yahoo calendar page. GMail users will have to look for a workaround which involves addition of another addon called Provider.
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"Nice add-on calendar for Thunderbird"
Version: Mozilla Lightning 0.9
Pros
Similar to Outlook Calendar
Cons
So far, I have not found out a way to sync this calendar with my BlackBerry Desktop software!
Summary
I added the calendar feature to Thunderbird and it worked integrated without any problem.
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"Very disappointing."
Version: Mozilla Lightning 0.9
Pros
Small footprint and clean interface, both of which likely result from a lack of features and utility.
Cons
Lacks a great many features I require in a plausible task organizer and scheduler.
Summary
Still a sophomoric stab at an Outlook alternative. I've been looking for years for an Outlook replacement, but this ain't it.
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"Great Calendar"
Version: Mozilla Lightning 0.9
Pros
Manage your daily schedule
Cons
None as yet
Summary
I like to keep track of birthdays, other events and tasks, and this is a great way to do it while I am checking my email. It also allows them to be displayed in various colours based on the category the events belong to.
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"Easy to use. Works well"
Version: Mozilla Lightning 0.9
Pros
Better than Outlook calendar and simple to operate
Cons
Plain and simple
Summary
Bit hard to see all entries
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"Did not survive the first Thunderbird upgrade 2.0.0.17"
Version: Mozilla Lightning 0.9
Pros
worked well
Cons
T'bird automatic update decreed it incompatible and turns it off
Summary
does not work
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"Easy Sneezy!"
Version: Mozilla Lightning 0.9
Pros
Great program, easy to use, easier in fact than Outlook, prettier too!
Cons
Haven't found any yet; I'll let you know IF I do.
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"Works well for tasks, I use it for my daily to do tasks."
Version: Mozilla Lightning 0.8
Pros
The task portion works well, its simple easy and right there with my mail.
Cons
The event portion of the program is weak from the point of not being able to modify category names and colors. I use Sunbird for that. I hope with the scheduled update later in the year it is a really great program. A fully functional Sunbird integrated into Thunderbird would be perfect.
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"The addon is not for Firefox"
Version: Mozilla Lightning 0.8
Pros
I have no use for it, but several people had problem with this add-on which is for Thunderbird, and not Firefox. I have TB2.0.0.16, and I installed it like any other add-on. The file was downloaded to the Desktop, and I brought up Tools|Add-ons. then dragged and dropped the .xpi in the add-on manager. No problem.
Not compatible with TB3.0b1, and SM2.0a1.
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