Scan & Fix 50 registry issues FREECNET Editors' review
Formerly known as the e-mail component of the Mozilla Web browser, Thunderbird now exists as a stand-alone, full-featured client. The recently stripped-down code feels leaner and more focused than the original Mozilla component. In terms of features, the program is comparable to or exceeds other products in this space, boasting good junk-mail filters, compatibility with RSS feeds, HTML support, and multiple identities. Thunderbird handles both POP and IMAP accounts admirably, but we would like to see greater support for Microsoft's Exchange server. The program also boasts stellar security features such as S/MMIE, digital signing, and message encryption. Visually ahead of the game, Thunderbird's interface is a joy to use, and the application now lacks the sluggishness that plagued pervious versions. We also like the layout options, which allow us to view our mail in various columned arrangements. Other little perks include message searching, saved-search folders, import tools, smart-address completion, labels, and return receipts. Though the lack of full Exchange support will keep this e-mail app on the sidelines in the corporate world, home users looking for an alternative to Outlook Express will absolutely find Thunderbird a high-flying choice. New search and tabs take flight in Thunderbird 3:Publisher's Description
From Mozilla:
Mozilla's Thunderbird mail client is a redesign of the Mozilla mail component. Its goal is to produce a cross-platform, standalone mail application using XUL. It is modeled after the Mozilla Firebird rewrite of the Mozilla browser. The intended customer is someone who uses Mozilla Firebird (or another non-Mozilla browser) as his or her primary browser and who wants a mail client based on Mozilla that plays nice with that browser. Some of the new features in version 0.8 are a global inbox, comprehensive data migration, RSS integration, improved privacy controls, and improved quick search. Thunderbird now supports a user interface for creating multiple identities for each e-mail account.
This software may work well enough to be relied upon as your primary messaging client, as it's based on the stable Mozilla 1.6 architecture. However, Mozilla Thunderbird is still a preview release, and therefore several features may not be complete.
Note: Do not install Mozilla Thunderbird into a directory containing program files from a previous version. Overwriting files from a previous release will cause problems. To re-use the directory of a previous install, the directory must be deleted and recreated, emptied, moved, or renamed. You should not file bugs in Bugzilla if you choose to ignore this step. If you used a prior version of Thunderbird and installed themes or extensions, you need to do the following or Thunderbird will not run properly: Find your profile directory. There should be a subdirectory called Chrome. Remove everything in Chrome (this will not affect your mail data or Preferences). You will then need to re-install the 0.8-compatible version of any themes or extensions you want.
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 users exercise caution and save all mission-critical data before installing or using this software.
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All versions:
3.8 starsout of 1,192 votes
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"This All-In-One Application ROCKS! It earns 5 Stars!"
Version: Mozilla Thunderbird 17.0.5
Pros
All of my MS-Office was 2003, and every time I went to Microsoft's website for any help with it, nearly every link led me to the page where I needed to buy the new 2013-version of Office. Needless to say, I'm too broke to dish out hundreds of dollars for an Office suite that would confuse me more than 2003. Since I'm very familiar with Outlook and have used it in my corporate job for years, I knew I'd miss having it on MY computers. But then a friend recommended Thunderbird, I downloaded it, read tons of HELPs documentation, and installed all the cool extensions I needed (Windows' theme, Lightning, and one more that lets me use and share my Google calendar with other people), worked on getting all the options and settings 'just right', and this software is WAY BETTER and much more user-friendly than Outlook! Sorry for this lengthy comment, but I'll let you know that there's a bunch more "Pros" I could share, but I'll stop here. I HIGHLY recommend this software to anyone!
Cons
Considering I just installed it on all our computers last night (nope, I didn't sleep because I was totally and completely engrossed in learning about all the options that can be added to this tool), I've yet to experience any negative issues with it. It downloaded excellently from this website, installed like a charm, accepted all the addons with no problems at all, and the configurations were pretty easy to incorporate in comparison to Microsoft's Outlook. So far, as of yet, I've nothing to share regarding any "Cons" in this section. Only time will tell if this turns out to be crap-ware, but the cool thing is, Mozilla's got tons more of comprehensive HELPs pages and tutorials than Microsoft, so finding 'a fix' for any future issues shouldn't be too much of a hassle. I'm in my mid-50s and been doing technology for many years, and as I've gotten older, I've found "simpler" is a lot more satisfying than bells and whistles I'll never use and don't want to take the time to learn it all.
Summary
I don't have much more to say that I haven't already shared in the upper two sections of this review. I know it's lengthy, but I hope this Review helps you out while you're just sitting there in your chair asking yourself, "Should I go for it (download it), or should I pass this one by and hope for greener pastures of something better on down the line?" I just know much I appreciate reading well-written Reviews from actual real people (such as myself and people just like you) who took the time and effort to share how they 'personally feel' about a product they've used themselves. The choice is up to you, now. Like I said, I hope this Review has helped you in making a quality decision. --- Oh, by the way, if you're a Mom, today is YOUR day: Happy Mother's Day!
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"Missing Folders/Will not download"
Version: Mozilla Thunderbird 17.0.5
Pros
Usually easy to set-up
Cons
Random problems/ Crappy Support
Summary
I use Thunderbird to access 3 mail accounts, 2 of them being GMail. One my GMail folders has totally disappeared. If I try to recreate it, Thunderbird automatically deletes it again.
When I try to download mail. Thunderbird does nothing OR is downloads for every account except the folder that it deleted.
I have attempted to get help from Mozilla support, but they appear to have no real help desk: everything is posted to a forum and if someone feels like helping to solve your problem, they will reply. If no one cares or no one has a clue, you're screwed, which is about 75 percent of the time. -
"Still gets failing grade in password management"
Version: Mozilla Thunderbird 17.0.5
Pros
Faster and easier to use in terms of folder management than Outlook. None of the "feature creep" that makes Outlook a laughingstock for Microsoft.
Cons
Password management is asinine. Passwords aren't stored in the account settings. They're listed separately from all other account parameters in a different menu option. Even if you find the list of passwords, you still can't change any of them. You can only delete a password you want to change, then try to get mail from the original server as you normally would. If and when you get a new password prompt, you can enter the change and select the option to remember it in the so-called "Password Manager."
Meanwhile, other access options such as SSL are in the account options, nowhere near the Password Manager.
Good grief. What a ham-handed UI. -
"It looks like they're they're racing Chrome."
Version: Mozilla Thunderbird 17.0.5
Pros
It's still a very good browser.
Cons
They seem to be racing Chrome to see who can have the most updates in the shortest period of time. Unfortunately they're leaving some of the best add-ons behind and no longer applicable.
Summary
I see no real difference in this update.
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"works like a charm"
Version: Mozilla Thunderbird 17.0.5
Pros
easy to configure, beautiful interface
Cons
i see no cons
Summary
funny add ons
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"Nice mail program"
Version: Mozilla Thunderbird 17.0.5
Pros
Easy to use
simple format, easy to learnCons
Nothing to do with the program itself, but I find Mozilla's support ridiculously difficult to navigate. But I'm only moderately skilled.
Summary
Nice email program, easy to use. Difficult support navigation.
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"Mostly Good; Text format hassles"
Version: Mozilla Thunderbird 17.0.5
Pros
Lots of great features
Lots of extensionsCons
- Text formatting hassles. Even though there are buttons for font and text size, that part is very buggy. It becomes impossible to control the format of the message you're composing. Also the font sometimes changes mid paragraph for no apparent reason. This has been going on for years. There are a variety of text formatting bugs that I can't even describe. They never get around to fixing these.
- Once in a while, the cursor changes position for no apparent reason. Maybe during auto-save. If you are in the middle of doing the wrong thing, like selecting text, it can wipe out whole sections of the message you're composing. (Thank god for undo).Summary
I've used Thunderbird for about 5 years. I love it, but the text formatting bugs are driving me to try something else.
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"Could be great..."
Version: Mozilla Thunderbird 17.0.4
Pros
Ease of install. If you are starting from scratch, this is great!
Cons
Lousy documentation that is out of date. Tried to import old data from Outlook Express and the instructions are for the older version of Thunderbird. Menus are not in the same place, drop downs I am told to click on are not there. As a result, there is no way to install the convert plug-in for this. Posted my problem on the forums a week ago with no response.
Summary
I am not new at this as I sent my first email way back in 1985. But it is frustrating when you are told to "click here" and "here" does not exist...
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"Having a problem with tiny fonts displayed."
Version: Mozilla Thunderbird 17.0.3
Pros
Simple Menus.
Cons
Small font until I find the solution.
Summary
I like it.
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"Would be great if it weren't so buggy"
Version: Mozilla Thunderbird 17.0.3
Pros
Consolidates all my gmail accounts into one place
Cons
Buggy
Freezes during compose
Seems to affect other programs while it's openSummary
I like the idea of Thunderbird so much that I keep going back to it, hoping the bugs have shaken out. I have five separate email accounts I use for work, and it's nice to have them all in one place. However, the program is just too buggy to be useful. I spend a lot of time waiting for it to recover from freezing up while I compose, and other programs have problems while I have it open, too. You should try it out, though. The good may outweigh the bad for you.
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