Mozilla Thunderbird 0.5

CNET editors' review

Reviewed by: CNET Staff

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.

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 the XUL user interface language. 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 wants a mail client based on Mozilla that "plays nice" with the browser.

Currently, Mozilla Mail is not a good option for these users because link clicks and attachments end up going to Mozilla browser windows instead of to the preferred browser. In addition, by focusing solely on standalone mail, some dents can be made in the overall footprint and performance of the mail client by removing components and chrome that are not needed. On top of that, the UI becomes much cleaner as a standalone application, as opposed to when it is part of the Mozilla suite. New in release 0.5: Mozilla Thunderbird now supports the notion of multiple identities per mail account. This makes it easy to have several email addresses which end up going into the same account. Thunderbird 0.5 includes Secure Password Authentication using a new cross-platform NTLM authentication mechanism for POP3 and SMTP. Ability to paste names or addresses from a spreadsheet directly into the addressing widget of a new compose window.

Note: You must delete your old Mozilla Thunderbird directory (which is not the profile directory) rather than just overwriting the files there. Beta or prerelease software is not intended for inexperienced users, as the software may contain bugs or potentially damage your system. We strongly recommend that users exercise caution and save all mission-critical data before installing and/or using this software.