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 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. Thunderbird has a junk mail tools have been updated to stay ahead of spam and features Phishing protection.
What's new in this version: Version 12.0.1 includes fixes for issues relating to new mail notifications and filtering on POP3 based accounts, occasional startup crash seen in TB 12.0, and an issue with corrupted message bodies when using move mail.
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All versions:
3.8 starsout of 1,155 votes
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Current version:
3.1 starsout of 7 votes
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My rating:
Write review
Results 1-7 of 7
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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.
Results 1-7 of 7
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