Thunderbird vs. Outlook

Two of the most popular e-mail clients in use today are Mozilla's Thunderbird and Microsoft Outlook. Microsoft Outlook used to be bundled with all versions of Microsoft Office, but that is no longer the case. Outlook Express is still bundled with select version of the Microsoft operating system but chances are if you are not currently using a version, you might not have given it a shot. Thunderbird, on the other hand, has to be downloaded from Mozilla itself. Due to Firefox's reputation, their customizable browser, Thunderbird, too, has grown in popularity as an alternative to Outlook. 

Thunderbird's aim is simple: It was made to be an easy-to-use, fully customizable browser. It does all the things an e-mail client is made to and more. Since you can utilize add-ons and themes, you essentially turn the client into something of your own. Add-ons range from dictionaries, advanced return receipt features to even how the browser responds to junk mail. One of the niftiest features of Thunderbird is the ability to classify, sort and search mail downloaded to your hard drive. There are few things Thunderbird cannot do.

Outlook, on the other hand, cannot be fully customized, but since a majority of e-mail users have some experience with it, they tend to stick with what they know. Outlook does all the basic features Thunderbird does but adds the dynamic of integrating a user's to do list, schedule and other calendar-related events. While a plug-in will do something similar for Thunderbird, it takes some time to find the right combination of add-ons to do just that. In most cases, Outlook is the easiest choice for users to continue with since they know it best.

Both browsers are worthy add-ons to any computer user wanting to manage their e-mail. It may take some time to decide which one is right for you, but only by trying them both out can you truly understand which one will work best. Thunderbird is free to try, whereas Outlook 2007 has to be purchased either via a software suite or Microsoft's web site.