How to Use Thunderbird Email

If you think you are stuck with the same old email client, think again. Mozilla Thunderbird will work with many of the same major Internet Service Providers that most other email software programs will. It is getting more notoriety as the other email providers continue to have security issues and spread harmful viruses.The big difference is you may not have the headaches that you can get from the other providers.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Email
• Computer
• Thunderbird
• Internet
• Microsoft Windows

Setting up Thunderbird email initially

1. Download and install the Mozilla Thunderbird email software program if you have not done so already. A link is found within this article to help you along in the process. It is always free to download and use. You will have to either retype your address book (contacts) or attempt to import them into the Thunderbird email program.

2. 
   Check the email radio button to get started.

   Set up your email account per your email provider's instructions. Add account, and specify "email account." Click "next."

3. 
   This is an example of the Identity Screen

   Set up what is known as your email identity in Thunderbird.Put in your username and password, again make sure there are no errors. Have it remember your username and password. Click "next" to be taken to the next screen.

4. 
   Thunderbird Email Server Information Screen (Gmail example)

   Obtain the server Information from your Internet Service Provider or IT department at the office. You will need to know what type of server you have, whether it is a POP or IMAP and select the appropriate radio button. Type this information in exactly and check the appropriate boxes or your email account will not function properly. If you are not sure, look up this information on the "Help" section of your Internet Service Provider's website or give them a call.When you are finished, clicked the "next' button in the middle right corner of your screen.

5. 
   User names screen example (domain is your email provider).

   You will now see the User Names screen. Type in your email address exactly as it was given to you. This includes your domain name (corporate name, gmail, cable or DSL provider). Use the primary account name to start, especially if this is the address you will use to send and receive email. The incoming and outgoing are typically the same unless you want to mask your incoming email address. Click Next in the middle to continue this process as you have in previous steps.

6. 
   Account Name screen example

   You are now in the email Account Name screen. You can name this by individual, group, family, home or corporation. There are no limits. Click next when you have filled in this field on Thunderbird.

7. 
   Thunderbird verification screen example

   Thunderbird will now verify everything is set up properly for you to send and receive email. Click "finish." Practice sending and receiving emails (to yourself or colleagues) so you know email functions properly.

Managing Email using Mozilla Thunderbird

8. 
   Thunderbird email reading splash screen example

   Thunderbird works similar to Microsoft Outlook in the layout. So, if you already know Outlook or Outlook express email you have a good foundation for learning Thunderbird email. If not, do not worry, it is simple to pick up. Click on the Inbox (in bold) on the left hand column to read the incoming mail in your inbox. Any message that appears in bold has not been read yet. You will see the message displayed in the pane directly below the message list.

9. 
   Example of Thunderbird folder view

   If you are done with the message, you may simply click on it and hit your delete key on your computer keyboard. If not, you can just leave it there in your inbox or drag and drop it into a folder in the left hand column. You do not have to decide right away and you can create numerous folders.

10. 
    Thunderbird reply

    To reply to an email, while you are still viewing it, click reply and type the response above their message and then click "send." To send a brand new email, click "write." You can do the same for forward or mark spam as "junk" mail while you are in the message or have it highlighted within your email list.

11. 
    Thunderbird splash screen with toolbar

    Click on address book to update, edit or delete your contacts. You can also click on this to send a message if you do not recall the address. Or, simply start typing a bit of the address in the TO: field and the rest with similar beginnings should appear. Click on the proper address and start typing as usual.

12. 
    Thunderbird attach screen example

    While typing a message you can change font, style and size, include links and photos as you would in a word processing software program. Keep in mind not all email software will keep your formatting once the message is sent, so keep it simple. To attach a photo or file, click the attach button (found on tools menu or on toolbar as a paperclip). Then find the file as normal (in my documents or my pictures). Address message, place a line in subject field and click send.

Tips & Warnings

• Although Mozilla Thunderbird is made for Microsoft Windows, it may work with other operating systems. Attempt this at your own risk.
• Download updates whenever prompted.
• Enter a password if prompted.

Who Can Help:

• eFax is the world’s #1 Internet fax service.  Send and receive faxes by email and kiss your fax machine goodbye. 30-Day Free Trial

Resources

• Quick, Inexpensive Internet

[amylaine]

on 11/17/2008 Great tips, thanks.