Thunderbird Version 2 Now Available

Mozilla has released Version 2 of its popular (and FREE) Thunderbird e-mail software. Long time readers know that this is now (and has been for some time) my own personal choice for e-mail. This new version is pretty slick and adds some nice new features. I have installed it, used it, and really like a lot of their new additions.

Here is a list of their new features as outlines by a Mozilla spokesperson:

1. Message tagging -- users can organize emails by assigning tags like "From Mom" or "Weekend Projects" to easily track and search for information; users can choose from default tags -- such as Important, Personal, To-Do, Later, and Work -- or create their own custom tags; users can also add as many tags as they want to a message. In addition, the tags can be color-coded for easier identification.
2. Message history – Thunderbird 2 offers message history navigation similar to Web browsing history navigation; users can move backward and forward through their messages and easily browse through their message history.
   
3. Search -- the find-as-you-type pane speeds up searches within displayed messages, and a quick search feature starts showing search results as soon as users begin typing search terms; additionally, Thunderbird 2 saves users time by allowing the storing of searches as folders and facilitating the rerun of saved searches by clicking on the saved search folder in the folder pane.
   
4. Easy access to Web mail services -- Thunderbird 2 lets users integrate and access popular Web mail services simply by entering their user names and passwords.
   
5. Customization -- users can customize Thunderbird 2 with hundreds of free add-ons that change the look, feel, and functionality of the email client to suit their tastes; users can also create their own message templates to save time.
6. Visual theme -- Thunderbird 2's theme and user interface have been updated to improve usability and maximize screen real estate.
7. Advanced folder views -- customize the folder pane to show favorite, unread or recent folders.
8. Updates to the extension system -- the extension system has been updated to provide enhanced security and to allow for easier localization of extensions.

You can get more information and download the new Thunderbird at the Mozilla web site.