CNET 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. Watch the CNET video review of Mozilla Thunderbird:
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 1,155 votes
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Current version:
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My rating:
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"Still the best"
Version: Mozilla Thunderbird 12.0.1
Pros
Firefox lost its way a little while back, but now seems to be back on track. Speed has improved, memory use and leaks are down, and the diversity of add-ons can't be beaten. A much better browser than IE, and still for me better than Chrome.
Cons
None really. High quality browser.
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"Great replacement app for Outlook"
Version: Mozilla Thunderbird 12.0.1
Pros
Easy to migrate Outlook files
Very fast delivery of emails
IntuitiveCons
Writing replies not real easy, unless I haven't learned the tricks yet (minor issue).
Summary
My Outlook 2007 had become corrupt, locking up, not loading new messages, etc. Thunderbird so far has been a great replacement. Highly recommend.
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"it's terrible"
Version: Mozilla Thunderbird 12.0.1
Pros
None to report
Cons
It keeps crashing & disappearing when I hit send
Summary
Don't download this version
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"Crashes attempting to get new mail"
Version: Mozilla Thunderbird 12.0.1
Pros
Nothing special to report.
Cons
Dld'ed ALL my emails from my ISP going back 3+years as if they were new. Then wouldn't download hew emails afterwards. Tried uninstall/reinstall; tried latest Earlybird version (14.0...). No Joy.
Summary
First time I've had to limp along with Win Live ID. Not a happy camper.
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"Seems like TB took a step backwards!"
Version: Mozilla Thunderbird 12.0.1
Pros
Nothing that's new.
Cons
Not compatable with a lot of things I'd like to add on.
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"A user friendly email program that is unsurpassed!"
Version: Mozilla Thunderbird 12.0.1
Pros
It does the job easier and better than any other available email program.
Cons
It still does not alphabetize the filters. Also, I found my filters have to be duplicated for Local Folder.
Summary
Great program for everyone. You are able to make it do almost anything. It would be appreciated if the filters could be alphabetized and apply to all Folders.
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"Excellent program spoiled by unfathomable crashes"
Version: Mozilla Thunderbird 12.0.1
Pros
Tabbing, folder and search facilities.
Cons
Just one: unexplained and untraceable crashes. The web is littered with the berating of this fault which appears to be triggered by a clash with some other element but which Mozilla seems to wash its hands of. I never thought I would be beating a path back to Outlook as my local backup to Gmail.
Summary
Just hope that in a future iteration this might be addressed.
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"master password doesn't work on 3 version w/Win7/home"
Version: Mozilla Thunderbird 12.0
Pros
great idea to have mail on hard drive, except T-bird is still
hard to back up and there's a war between Windows Live mail and
T-bird for control of .eml format. Why has mail become so hard to
back up? Worked well synching with two IMAP gmail accounts, but not when tried to add third POP hotmail.Cons
Master password DOES NOT work on Version 3. set up two gmail accounts
to use master password. Your Thunderbird installation on your hard
drive is not password protected. Just hit cancel every time version
3-latest asks for password and you can still get right into your
Thunderbird installation and any part of what's stored on it, inbox, sent mail, etc., etc. Why go through the exercise of having
mail copies you can't protect on your hard drive? I uninstalled
with Revo and found over a gigabyte of stuff not removed under users/my user name/appdata/roaming after thorough uninstall.
Not a good experience at all for six days of effort.Summary
Don't use master password on latest version or your hard disk installation of your email is not really protected from anyone's view I don't believe.
latest version of Thunderbird is 12. Don't use master password.
Updated on Apr 30, 2012
Anyone can access your email on your hard drive if you do. Maybe
individual passwords would work; I don't know because I just plain uninstalled program at that point. -
"User Beware"
Version: Mozilla Thunderbird 12.0
Pros
I used to like this product.
Cons
Be very careful.............I like others as I understand, suddenly end up with a completely empty Inbox. Contents cannot be found anywhere. Suggest you peeps steer clear until that little problem is sorted.
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"Not for me"
Version: Mozilla Thunderbird 12.0
Pros
I can find nothing that would prompt me to write any "pros".
Cons
I do not use Thunderbird email, I'm completely satisfied with the email providers that I use!
Summary
Firefox is closing itself out for many of their users by limiting their users to THEIR email. I will go back to IE today!
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