<p>In today’s digital world, email remains a cornerstone of communication for individuals and businesses alike. But with concerns about privacy, security, and dependence on big tech, many are seeking alternatives that align with their values. Enter Thunderbird, the open-source email client that has been revolutionizing the way we interact with our inboxes. In this article, we will explore Thunderbird’s top features, shed light on its remarkable development journey, and emphasize the importance of using open-source software for a more secure and customizable email experience.</p>
<p>Email is an ancient service and, often left in the dustbin, the clients that support email are often left to digitally rot. Email service providers have embraced and extended email (example: Gmail) or decided they won’t receive email from unknown email servers from unknown domain <em>unless</em> paid tens of thousands of dollars per month to “ensure” delivery. It’s a racket and a scam.</p>
<p>Email is important to how the internet works. It is a universal service, owned by no one, capable of being delivered to almost any computing platform today from watches, to desktops, to phones, to tablets, to TVs and cars.</p>
<p>We need to protect and nuture email!</p>
<h3id="modern-thunderbird-is-great">“Modern” Thunderbird is Great</h3>
<p>One of the applications continuing to innovate in an open and free way is Thunderbird. While in the past, under the neglect of the Mozilla Foundation, Thunderbird did <em>not</em> get the attention it deserves, it is now being maintained and improved in important ways. The team there is redesigning the application from the ground up to be very responsive, handle email, calendar, contacts, chat in a nice, unified interface.</p>
<p>Thunderbird is available on almost any desktop platform today (with the ability to move configurations between computers) and is coming to mobile this year.</p>
<p>There are a number of reasons you should try Thunderbird, including:</p>
<ol>
<li>A Robust and User-Friendly Interface:</li>
</ol>
<p>Thunderbird boasts a clean and intuitive interface that makes managing email a breeze. Its customizable layout and powerful search functionality ensure that you can effortlessly navigate through your messages, folders, and contacts, saving you time and enhancing productivity.</p>
<olstart="2">
<li>Advanced Security and Privacy Features:</li>
</ol>
<p>Safeguarding email is of utmost importance. Thunderbird has you covered with built-in security features like phishing protection, advanced spam filters, and support for encryption protocols. These measures ensure that your sensitive information remains secure, putting you in control of your digital privacy.</p>
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<li>Cross-Platform Compatibility:</li>
</ol>
<p>Thunderbird is designed to seamlessly integrate with different operating systems, allowing you to enjoy its features on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Its versatility ensures that you can access your emails across various devices and platforms without any hassle.</p>
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<li>Add-Ons and Extensions Galore:</li>
</ol>
<p>One of Thunderbird’s standout features is its extensibility. With a vast library of add-ons and extensions, you can personalize your email client to suit your unique needs. From enhanced productivity tools to stylish themes, Thunderbird’s vibrant community of developers and contributors ensures that there is an add-on for everyone’s needs.</p>
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<li>A Brief History of Thunderbird:</li>
</ol>
<p>Thunderbird’s journey dates back to 2004 when it was released by the Mozilla Foundation （the same group which produces Firefox), known for its commitment to open-source software. Since then, Thunderbird has been continually developed and improved, driven by the passion and dedication of its global developer community. The fact that Thunderbird has stood the test of time for nearly two decades is a testament to its reliability and ongoing commitment to providing users with a top-notch email experience.</p>
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<li>The Power of Open-Source Software:</li>
</ol>
<p>One of the key pillars of Thunderbird’s success is its open-source nature. Open-source software promotes transparency, allowing users to scrutinize the code, identify vulnerabilities, and contribute to its development. This collaborative approach fosters innovation and ensures that the software remains secure and adaptable to evolving needs. By choosing Thunderbird, you will be actively supporting the principles of open-source software and contribute to a more decentralized and user-centric ecosystem.</p>
<p>When you combine Thunderbird with Federated Core’s email hosting service, you unlock the perfect combination of privacy, reliability, and customization. Federated Core ensures your emails are hosted securely and privately on your own server, offering protection from third-party snooping and data mining. Say goodbye to relying on solutions from big tech and take total control of your email communications.</p>
<p>With Federated Core’s email hosting service, you can trust that your emails are delivered reliably, avoiding downtime and service interruptions. Seamlessly integrate Thunderbird or any other email client of your choice with Federated Core, and enjoy the benefits of a comprehensive, self-hosted solution.</p>
<p>You should give Thunderbird a try. It is a great email, calendar, contacts client, works well with <ahref="https://documentation.federated.computer/docs/client_applications/windows/thunderbird/">Federated Core</a>, is fully cross-platform, and is working hard to protect a very important communications platform: email. If you’re new to open-source, we encourage you to <ahref="https://www.thunderbird.net/en-US/">check out Thunderbird today</a>!</p>
