"Computers are useless. They can only give you answers."
Pablo Picasso
"Computers are useless. They can only give you answers."
Pablo Picasso
Mozilla Thunderbird – E-Mail Client This article will limit itself to explaining how to install and uninstall the program. The guide also provides its own pragmatic tutorial, Using Mozilla Thunderbird, which explains using the program for e-mail, and also gives links to other sources of information about the program.
Alternative E-Mail ClientsMozilla Thunderbird may not be your favourite choice of e-mail client. Fortunately, there are alternatives. The guide lists a few here, but makes no judgements, as it is impossible to analyse all of them in depth.
The Wikipedia also provides a comparison list of e-mail clients.
Before You Install Mozilla ThunderbirdMozilla Thunderbird, which uses the Firefox browser rendering engine, makes use of the Java Runtime Environment to enable Java applets in web pages, or web compatible (HTML) e-mail messages. The guide explains installing the Java Runtime Environment in this article.
Your Existing E-Mail ClientIf you are already using an e-mail client, such as Outlook Express, don't uninstall it until you have completed the Mozilla Thunderbird installation. This is because Thunderbird uses the e-mail client to automatically import the settings, address books, and e-mails. If it doesn't find the e-mail client, then it won't be able to import these values.
Installing the ProgramThe Mozilla web site, http://www.mozilla.com/, provides a “New! Thunderbird 2” link on the home page. Click on this link and you will see the “Download Thunderbird” button. However, just underneath this button there is a “Other Systems and Languages” link, which, if you click on it, gives the full list of available installation packages.
From this list, choose the most appropriate language and operating system. I chose the Windows version in English. Clicking on the “Download” link starts the download of the installer.
As for all downloads in the guide, I saved this file in my downloads folder, creating a www.mozilla.com sub folder. Use Windows Explorer to open this sub folder, then double click on the Thunderbird Setup 2.0.0.6.exe file and you will see the following dialog:.
 Click on Next >.
 Click on the “I accept...” radio button, then click on Next >.
 The standard setup is both the best and simplest choice. Now click on Next >. At this point, the installation process begins, and can take a few minutes. Once concluded, you will see the following dialog:
 Click on Finish to terminate the installation process. If you leave the “Launch Mozilla Thunderbird now” box checked, as above, Mozilla Thunderbird will be started for you.
When Thunderbird is startedWhen Thunderbird is started, it immediately attempts to download any e-mails currently stored on the Internet. If you are just trying out Thunderbird, this may not be what you want, as you can't “put back” these e-mails, so they won't appear in your current e-mail client. To avoid this, simply disconnect from the Internet before you start the program.
Using the Program for the First TimeThe first time you use the program the import wizard will attempt to transfer e-mail server settings, address books, and e-mails from your existing e-mail client. In my case, I had already uninstalled Outlook Express, because I've been using Thunderbird for some time, so the wizard didn't give me any options.
In your case, the import wizard should be able to import the e-mail server settings, address books, and e-mails without too many problems. Keep a copy of your e-mail server passwords, however, as you will almost certainly have to add these by hand later on.
 Choose the import option you want, then click on Next >. Once the import wizard has finished, Mozilla Thunderbird will start up.
When Thunderbird is started (again, but it's worth repeating)When Thunderbird is started, it immediately attempts to download any e-mails currently stored on the Internet. If you are just trying out Thunderbird, this may not be what you want, as you can't “put back” these e-mails, so they won't appear in your current e-mail client. To avoid this, simply disconnect from the Internet before you start the program.
Automatic UpgradesMozilla Thunderbird checks for upgrades both of itself and any extensions you may add, and will inform you when newer versions are available. You can then choose to download the upgrade immediately, or wait until a more convenient time.
You will have to close Mozilla Thunderbird, and then start it up again for the upgrades to take effect.
Next StepsYou are now ready for the guide's pragmatic tutorial in the article Using Mozilla Thunderbird.
Uninstalling the ProgramMozilla Thunderbird uses the standard Windows uninstall mechanism. From the desktop, double click on My Computer, then from the left hand pane select Add or Remove programs thus:
 Select the Mozilla Thunderbird program, then click on Remove. The uninstall wizard dialog will then appear, thus:
 Click on Next >.
 Click on Uninstall. This starts the uninstallation of Mozilla Thunderbird. Once the program has been removed, the following dialog is shown:
 Click on Finish. If you want to give some feedback to the Thunderbird team, check the “Tell us what you thought...” box first.
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