CNET Editors' review
Despite perceptions to the contrary, the desktop-based e-mail client is not dead. Mozilla Thunderbird 3.0 is a serious reaction to the prevalence of Web mail, so whether you're looking for a strong desktop client, an Outlook replacement, or a powerful tool for managing archives and Web mail offline, Thunderbird can scale to your needs.
Outlook users will notice the speed and responsiveness of the program, which loads quickly, even when weighed down by multiple folders and RSS feeds, and the basic feature set remains intact: good junk mail filters, HTML support, multiple identities, and robust Web mail, POP, IMAP, and Microsoft Exchange server support. Security features include S/MIME, digital signing, message encryption, and a built-in phishing detector. Add-ons, based on the same code as Firefox's add-on network, can enhance your security even further.
Joining such useful features as the back and forward e-mail browsing buttons and customizable tags in version 3.0 are a set of must-have features. The powerful search tool integrates results with desktop searches on Windows Vista and Windows 7, while tabs reinforce the connections between Web browsing and e-mail reading. In fact, the new search tool is so powerful that if you have a massive number of e-mails, you may want to set it to index them overnight lest it drain system resources from other programs. Gmail support especially has been revamped, so you now get an All Mail folder in Thunderbird, among other improvements. Mozilla's new Personas skins work in Thunderbird, while the Lightning add-on supplies the missing Microsoft Exchange-compatible calendar feature.
Flexible, powerful, and lightweight, Thunderbird 3 is an appropriate companion to Firefox in every way.
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Publisher's Description
From Mozilla:
Mozilla Thunderbird makes e-mailing safer, faster, and easier with such features as intelligent spam filters, a built-in RSS reader, and quick search. Thunderbird was designed to prevent viruses and to stop junk mail. Thunderbird 3 includes tabbed e-mail, new search tools and indexing, smart folders, support for Firefox's Personas, a simplified setup wizard, and robust junk protections that include phishing and spam filters.
What's new in this version: Version 10.0 includes the ability to search the Web, improvements to email search, several fixes when drafting email, and several other platform fixes.
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All versions:
3.9 starsout of 1,131 votes
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Current version:
4.0 starsout of 8 votes
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My rating:
Write review
Results 1-8 of 8
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"I love it!"
Version: Mozilla Thunderbird 10.0
Pros
Lightweight, nice layout, Loving the tagging etc etc.
Cons
Not Sure,, You can convert to PDF ETC
Summary
It's awesome. Good Jobs for the folks who all contributed
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"An exellent email program, with a few features missing."
Version: Mozilla Thunderbird 10.0
Pros
User friendly and sets up easily. Ability to filter messages and reply to messages.
Cons
Lack of ability to easily move folders when they are accidently moved to a sub-folder; ability to easily alphabetize filters; and having all filters in one place. (This would eliminate the need to constantly have duplicate entries in all filters.)
Summary
Overall, this is one of the better email programs. I would like to see a few of the features improved. The learning curve is moderate.
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"Love the look"
Version: Mozilla Thunderbird 10.0
Pros
Quick, easy to use, easy set-up
Cons
Doesn't just delete junk mail.
Summary
Will continue to use.
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"Better has less lock ups but still needs some refining"
Version: Mozilla Thunderbird 10.0
Pros
Good interface
Cons
Still freezes but not as often
Summary
Much better. Keep the tweaking going.
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"tip top for me"
Version: Mozilla Thunderbird 10.0
Pros
good management of accounts
Cons
it suits me down to the ground
Summary
what more do i need
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"The best Microsoft Outlook alternative"
Version: Mozilla Thunderbird 10.0
Pros
Easy to set up emails
Easy UI, amking it a breeze to navigate
Excellent junk filter
Add onsCons
Firefox Quick Release leaves a lot of incompatibilities
Some occasional password problems
Add ons not as wide of range as Firefox
No sync abilitiesSummary
With add ons, a clean, easy to navigate UI and an excellent Junk Filter, Thunderbird is the best email application alternative available. Major problems include the incompatability of some add ons as well as internet security software, and the occasional password problem. Thunderbird also lacks a sync feature similar to firefox, it would of been helpful for those who have it on their desktop and on their laptops on the go.
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"An excellent email client"
Version: Mozilla Thunderbird 10.0
Pros
Intuitive and easy to set up and use, outstanding management of multiple mail accounts and folders as well as very good filters and email search facilities are the features that I find most compelling. The calendar works well but I've only used it for a short while and need more time to evaluate it.
Cons
I'm on the beta release schedule so my add-ons frequently don't work when I upgrade, but I'll live with that.
Summary
An excellent product that I frequently recommend with no adverse comebacks.
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"junky over engineered garbage"
Version: Mozilla Thunderbird 10.0
Pros
works sometimes has lots and lots and lots and lots of features
Cons
there are too many features
cannot do your primary function (read) for all the geegaw addons
programmers run wild
Results 1-8 of 8
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