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.
New search and tabs take flight in Thunderbird 3: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 9.0.1 fixes an issue that stopped users of Windows XP and earlier from running Thunderbird in some cases.
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All versions:
3.8 starsout of 1,192 votes
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Current version:
3.8 starsout of 13 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"Don't bother"
Version: Mozilla Thunderbird 9.0.1
Pros
Notvery many
Cons
Surely in 2012 and email client can select addresses directly from the to: field without having to load the address book in a sidebar.
Why must you have a separate to: line for every addressee? I write a lot of emails to multiple recipients, not always part of a group. This is useless to me.Summary
I love firefox
I loathe thunderbird -
"I'm starting to like it a lot!"
Version: Mozilla Thunderbird 9.0.1
Pros
It's VERY customizable, fairly easy to figure out, will provide one fast access point for multiple email accounts, sets up fairly easily, lets one add a simple calendar easily, and I just like the clean look of it.
Cons
I've never set up a local email client before, so the process was more than a little daunting. Smoke was coming out of my ears, but I was able to get the job done with the help of a bunch of help screens and just looking around.
Summary
I thought I would have to pay someone to do this for me, but I managed to do it on my own, and I'm very happy with the result. I learned some things and it was worth it.
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"The best product around"
Version: Mozilla Thunderbird 9.0.1
Pros
Easy to use and easy to understand for beginners.
Cons
I haven't found anything wrong with this product so far.
Summary
I recommend this product to all my family and friends.
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"A good alternative to Live Mail Essentials"
Version: Mozilla Thunderbird 9.0.1
Pros
Responsive, easy to use.
Cons
Some ISP mail sync problems at times.
Summary
This is a good option if you feel Windows Live Mail essentials is too much. It reminds me more of the old Outlook Express which in my mind is still what Mail should be for consumers. I can recommend Thunderbird.
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"Excellent e-mail program."
Version: Mozilla Thunderbird 9.0.1
Pros
Very customizable, user friendly and contains NO unneeded stuff like Windows Live Mail. I am happy.
Cons
I wish the Thunderbird allowed the sound to be played in the e-mail stationary, for example a "Birthday Song" (like in Windows Mail). Other than that it's a great program.
Summary
Excellent e-mail program that replaces Windows Live Mail in case you are not happy with it.
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"Must-have where internet connectivity is limited"
Version: Mozilla Thunderbird 9.0.1
Pros
Practical, easy to use and very comprehensive eMail program. Good spam filtering and excellent search facility.
Cons
Updates render most add-ons useless. Group addresses can be loaded but are sometimes not recognised at the sending stage. It can be both frustrating and time-consuming to set group mailing lists up again.
Summary
Very good and flexible program which I always recommend to those who cannot use webmail such as in Africa where I work.
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"Add-on compatibility problems"
Version: Mozilla Thunderbird 9.0.1
Pros
Works with Windows 7 & XP
Cons
Can't count on add-ons being compatible with new versions, so if you start using the calendar add-on for example, and it updates, the calendar is disabled. Frustrating.
I didn't like the look and feel as much as outlook express.Summary
I gave this a good 3 week try to have an email client that works on both XP & Windows 7, but finally gave up when an update disabled several add-ons.
As long as I have a working xp PC, I'll just stick with outlook express and use webmail when on my win 7 laptop. -
"Screw this and "minefeild" I'm upgrading to XP 64 bit"
Version: Mozilla Thunderbird 9.0.1
Pros
Completely dumbed down for the general serb peasants who have been drinking the water and believe that 18 peasants with box cutters took down a superpower. Please do take your vaccines they are requiring this year we need much less traffic and carbon footprints here on the planet. 7 is your lucky number, you'll need it.
Cons
Wasted several minutes of my time. I have decided that xp 64bit is my final browser. Bill Gates is leading the pack for elitists that want 95% of the population gone. I bet he's paying for those chemtrails we see them spraying over the suberbs. Nice Bill. What a "human charity" he is. Guess he's mad because 95% never paid for Windows in their life. (including me)
Summary
Windows 7 is retarded version of xp. Much less good and much more idiocy oriented programs for the braindead masses.
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"Best browser"
Version: Mozilla Thunderbird 9.0.1
Pros
Lots of usefull add-ons, fast, reliable.
Cons
If you close Firefox, the browser might still be active in the background. Use ctr-alt-del to finally kill.
Summary
Lots of competition, and the competition is learning. But Firefox still is the best browser of all.
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"No need to open my browser to check emails."
Version: Mozilla Thunderbird 9.0.1
Pros
Easy to access my yahoo email account.
Cons
Address book could be alittle easier.
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