| An email client is a computer program that allows you | | | | megabyte attachment size and virtually unlimited |
| to check your email without having to open up your | | | | storage space, it is one of the most powerful free |
| Internet Browser. Mozilla Thunderbird is one Email | | | | emails available. |
| Client that is offered by the same folks that make | | | | Another cool thing about Gmail is you can use periods |
| Mozilla Firefox, the highly customizable web browser. | | | | in your email address. So, "joe.smith" is the same as |
| Thunderbird is a very nice alternative to Microsoft | | | | "joesmith," which is the same as "j.o.e.smith." This can |
| Outlook and is free. | | | | be great for using on business cards or other places |
| Like Firefox, there are many plug-ins available to help | | | | where you need to print your email address, as it |
| make browsing your emails easier and increase | | | | makes it more human readable. |
| productivity. Another great thing about Thunderbird is | | | | Gmail also has a very powerful Spam filter, which is |
| that it checks your spelling as you type, the same | | | | almost perfect when it comes to stopping spam. |
| way that Firefox does, even in the subject line. | | | | However, sometimes it does get a little over zealous |
| Why Should I Use an Email Client? | | | | and catches things that are not spam. So, if you are |
| There are several advantages to using a separate | | | | ever expecting an email and don't get it, make sure |
| computer program to access your email, such as | | | | to log into Gmail and check the Spam Folder. |
| allowing you to view your messages when you are | | | | One thing to keep in mind, however, is that like other |
| off-line and making it easier to search your messages. | | | | email services, Google will show you advertisements |
| Also, rather than having to open up your Internet | | | | when you login through their web-mail interface. This |
| browser, go to the web-mail page, and entering your | | | | is no different from other services like, Yahoo or |
| login information each time you want to check your | | | | Hotmail, but does mean that if you are reading an |
| mail, when you use an email client, you simply open | | | | email about your dog, expect to see advertisements |
| the program and it automatically checks your email. | | | | about dogs. Of course, if you use a program like |
| Email programs also offer advanced address book | | | | Thunderbird, you will not see any Advertisements. |
| features and calendars, helping to improve the overall | | | | Setting up Gmail in Thunderbird |
| productivity of its users. Sending messages and | | | | One of the best things about Gmail is that it works |
| reading through them is often also easier, allowing | | | | with email clients. First, however, you need to log in |
| you to use different windows and tabs to view your | | | | to your Gmail account and enable pop,* which is an |
| messages. | | | | email transfer protocol. |
| Another advantage of using an Email Client is that it | | | | To Enable Pop in Gmail: |
| lets you access multiple accounts simultaneously from | | | | Log In -> Click on Settings -> Click on |
| a single place. So, if you have five different email | | | | "Forwarding and POP/IMAP" -> Click the radio |
| accounts, you can check them all through your email | | | | button labeled "Enable POP for all mail (even mail |
| client, as opposed to going to each separate page. | | | | that's already been downloaded)" and save changes. |
| This can be a big time saver and make life very | | | | From the settings page, click on the link that says |
| easy. | | | | "Configuration Instructions," which is under the POP |
| A Word About Gmail | | | | and IMAP section. This will bring you to a page that |
| Gmail is the free mail program that is offered by | | | | explains how to set up Gmail in Thunderbird, as well |
| Google. It is one of the better free emails available, | | | | as several other email clients. |
| as unlike Hotmail, Yahoo, and other free emails, you | | | | *You can also use IMAP, which is another email |
| can use Gmail in an Email Client. Also, with its max 25 | | | | transfer protocol. |