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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:
Thunderbird makes e-mailing safer, faster, and easier than ever before with the industry's best implementations of features, such as intelligent spam filters, a built-in RSS reader, and quick search.
Thunderbird gives you a faster, safer, and more productive e-mail experience. Thunderbird was designed to prevent viruses and to stop junk mail so you can get back to reading your mail. Thunderbird provides the most effective tools for detecting junk mail. Our tools analyze your e-mail and identify those that are most likely to be junk. You can automatically have your junk mail deleted or you can put it in a folder you specify, just in case you like reading junk mail. View your e-mail the way you want it. Access your e-mail with Thunderbird's new three-column view. Customize your toolbar, change its look with themes, and use Mail Views to quickly sort through your messages.
Version 1.02 improves security.
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All versions:
3.8 starsout of 1,192 votes
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Current version:
4.2 starsout of 14 votes
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My rating:
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"It's alright"
Version: Mozilla Thunderbird 1.0.2
Pros
It's a solid email client that isn't microsoft. Much better than Outlook Express but hey, what isn't?
Cons
The calander extension isn't very good and it's just barely on par with Outlook 2000. Mozilla can do better.
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"The best email client"
Version: Mozilla Thunderbird 1.0.2
Pros
Very easy to use, customizable interface, work really well with IMAP mail server. When I deleted an email on IMAP server with Thunderbird, it is gone. Unlike thunderbird, microsoft outlook express and outlook 2003 still keep them the inbox with a crossed line, very annoying.
Cons
None, an integrated hotmail or HTTPS email server support will be nice.
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"Thunderbird. Everything you need."
Version: Mozilla Thunderbird 1.0.2
Pros
Want skins? Newsgroups? Addons like PGP, smilies, RSS feeds, and too many other amazing extension to mention...seriously, go over to Mozilla.org, it will blow your mind at how much you can customize this client. Oh one more thing...IT'S COMPLETELY FREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D
Cons
For the price, none.
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"Great alternative to Outlook Express."
Version: Mozilla Thunderbird 1.0.2
Pros
I now use T-Bird for my e-mail. I like the junk mail feature. Works great for newsgroups too.
Cons
Address book is a little clumsy to me. It takes a while to learn how to use effectively.
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"WOW! This is easy to use!"
Version: Mozilla Thunderbird 1.0.2
Pros
We have 3 e-mail pop-accounts that all used the same computer with Outlook Express, what a pain in the #ss. My computer novice family easily adapted to Thunderbird. Plus it has some pretty cool extensions. I am trying to get everyone to use the calendar extension.
Cons
Not enough viruses. With this program I feel like I am wasting money on virus software.
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"Great program and spam filter too!!"
Version: Mozilla Thunderbird 1.0.2
Pros
Looks good, feels good, and destroys 80% of all known spam.
Cons
Can't think of any - well it doesn't make me coffee!! ;-)
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"Let me explain why Thunderbird is great if you have the proper preparations..."
Version: Mozilla Thunderbird 1.0.2
Pros
As long as your computer is fast and is free of adware and spyware, Thunderbird should run smoothly. However, my computer isn't the fastest, and might have something hidden that I cannot find through running Ad-Aware Professional, so it slows down Thunderbird specifically.
If you are properly prepared, go for it! Try it out! It's part of the Mozilla family, afterall, so it's awfully not awful!
Cons
If you aren't prepared, try it anyway for a few weeks to a month. If it works, great! If not, do not continue, because your mail might be tracked and read without your consent. I don't know, so play it safe if you're unsure.
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"God awful software"
Version: Mozilla Thunderbird 1.0.2
Pros
It's free
Cons
Utterly user unfriendly. Good for computer geeks, college students and the jobless who have time on thier hands to learn the ropes. Everyone else beware, help files are confusing, nothing is intuitive and...just avoid it. There are better free email clients and, by the way, this is the WORST usenet reader out there.
Just awful.
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"Very nice, but too slow for my system"
Version: Mozilla Thunderbird 1.0.2
Pros
It all just makes sense and does what it should do. I also like that it handles multiple accounts easily.
Cons
On an ancient system running Windows 98, this program slows everything down to a crawl. I realize my machine is a dinosaur, but Thunderbird is slower BY FAR than other Email clients such as The Bat. However, I've never used Outlook, so I probably don't know the meaning of "slow" yet. HAHA
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"thunderbird rules!"
Version: Mozilla Thunderbird 1.0.2
Pros
THUNDERBIRD is faster, safer, and more user friendly than OUTLOOK...OUTLOOK seems old and clunky in comparison.
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