Websites/Mozilla.org/Archive/FAQ
The existing FAQ page contains a lot of outdated content. We need to go through the existing pages and pull out what's relevant and then also add additional information from other sources -- looking at questions often asked on the webmaster at mozilla dot org address for example.
//starting w/ Thunderbird, assuming the same overall organization in the FAQ
Thunderbird
GENERAL QUESTIONS
What is Thunderbird?
Thunderbird is an open-source mail client based on the Mozilla codebase. It is currently available for Windows, Linux, and Macintosh operating systems. As a free and user-friendly client, Thunderbird offers some major advantages over competitors like Outlook Express. Read more about the mail client at the Product Page.
//do you know of a current advantage over OE?
Why use Thunderbird?
It's free, open-source, and always being modified and upgraded to meet the needs of an ever-growing user base.
//out of date reason list - Reasons Why - still applicable?
What are Thunderbird's system requirements?
Windows, Linux, and Mac system requirements can be found here.
Where can I download Thunderbird?
You can find the latest version at Mozilla.com
How do I install Thunderbird?
Just open the file you downloaded, and then follow the on-screen instructions. If you have any problems with the installation process, please refer to this.
How do i uninstall Thunderbird?
In Windows, uninstall Thunderbird 2 via Start Menu, Control Panel, then Add & Remove Programs. In OS X, simply remove the Thunderbird application. In a Linux environment, just remove the thunderbird folder. Uninstalling Thunderbird 2 will not delete your email messages, extensions or other add-ons. This data is stored in your profile folder, which is located in one of the following locations depending on your operating system:
| Windows Vista | Users\<UserName>\AppData\Roaming\Thunderbird |
| Windows 2000, XP | Documents and Settings\<UserName>\Application Data\Thunderbird |
| Windows NT | WINNT\Profiles\<UserName>\Application Data\Thunderbird |
| Windows 98, ME | Windows\Application Data\Thunderbird |
| Mac OS X | ~/Library/Thunderbird |
| Linux and Unix systems | ~/.thunderbird |
Is Thunderbird available in my language?
Since Mozilla Thunderbird is an open source project, contributors are constantly translating the software into new languages. Check out our localized build list to see if Thunderbird is available in your language.
Where are my mail, passwords, and other information stored?
Thunderbird stores your personal settings in a profile folder. You can access them using the Profile Manager.
What is the Profile Manager?
The Profile Manager allows you to store settings for multiple users on the same computer. Instructions on how to create, backup, and manage different user profiles can be found here.
USAGE
How do I set up a new e-mail account?
After installing Thunderbird and opening it for the first time, do the following: Click on, "Create a new account." Now select "e-mail account" and follow the on-screen instructions, being sure to enter your name, e-mail address, incoming and outgoing e-mail servers, and account name. Check the final summary and click "finish." Now you can highlight your new account and click "get mail" to download your e-mails into Thunderbird. A more detailed explanation with pictures can be found here.
How do i make a custom signature for my e-mails?
Instructions on creating your own signature using plain text, images, or HTML can be found here.
How do I attach a file or URL to my e-mails?
When you are finished writing your e-mail, click on the "Attach" icon. Select the file you want to attach, then click "Open". You can attach additional files by clicking on the attachment list. If you need to attach a web page URL, click on the arrow to the immediate right of the "Attach" icon.
How do I use Thunderbird's junk mail controls?
Mozilla Thunderbird can detect and filter unwanted e-mail messages, but you must first "train it" by specifying which types of e-mail you don't want to receive. Go here for detailed instructions on activating and training junk mail controls.
MIGRATION
How do I import my e-mail and addresses from another e-mail client?
Click on Tools > Import, then select which of Address Books, Mail, or Settings you'd like to import. Now select which program you'd like to import from, and you're done!
Other Questions
Common questions sent to webmaster at mozilla dot org:
- Q: Where can I get support for my questions about Mozilla software?
- A:
- Firefox support
- Thunderbird support
- There are many other applications built using Mozilla technologies. To find support for those projects, please look for information on those project's web sites.
- Q: Where can I get support for my questions about Mozilla web sites?
- A: There are many different sites in the Mozilla community (such as addons.mozilla.org and bugzilla.mozilla.org)... look at each site first for contact information and then contact us if you have questions.
Other information from www.mozilla.org:
- Convert 'How free is Mozilla?' into FAQ question.
