PC Installation

You can download a free copy of Thunderbird here, or Computing Services can perform the installation for you. 

Configuration

When Thunderbird is opened for the first time, you will need to create a new account. First, click on the link that says "Create New Account" and click "Next".

Select "E-mail Account" and click "Next".

Type your name and e-mail address (i.e. Bryn Mawrter, bmawrter@brynmawr.edu) and click "Next".

Now, you should be asked to give the type of incoming mail server you are using. Bryn Mawr has two types of incoming mail servers: a POP server and an IMAP server. Please see e-mail documentation to determine which one is right for you.

Input the name of the incoming mail server you want to use (Bryn Mawr's is ada.brynmawr.edu) and click next.

Input the name of the outgoing mail server. If you are on campus, this is again ada.brynmawr.edu. If you are off-campus, you need to contact your internet service provider to obtain the name of their outgoing mail server. Click next.

Input your username (i.e. bmawrter) and click next.

You will see a summary of all the information you have entered. Check this information carefully as an error will prevent you from sending or receiving e-mail.

Click finish to save these changes and start Thunderbird.

FAQ

• How do I import e-mail messages from another mail program?
  
  Go to Tools > Import, which will bring up a dialog to guide you through the process.

• How do I make Thunderbird my Default Mail Program?

Go to Tools > Options... , click on General and check Use Mozilla Thunderbird as the default mail application . If you still have problems with mailto: links under Windows, go to Start > Settings > Control Panel and open Internet Options . Under the Programs tab, select Mozilla Thunderbird from the drop-down list next to E-mail: .

• Is Thunderbird susceptible to e-mail viruses?
  
  Thunderbird will not allow a virus or worm to execute automatically. You can see what attachments have been sent to you without a virus being able to execute, and you would have to save a file to your system and deliberately run it before it could cause any harm.
  
  JavaScript is switched off by default for mail and news, so an e-mail cannot run script code just by being opened.
  
  As with any mail program, take proper caution before running any file that you receive in e-mail. Appropriate anti-virus software should also help keep you safer.
  
• Is there a mail notifier in Thunderbird?
  
  Yes, the Windows version of Thunderbird includes mail notification in the system tray while Thunderbird is open.

• I changed my IMAP password, how do I get rid of a cached password?
  
  In the menu, select Tools > Options..., click on Advanced, expand the Passwords section and click Manage Stored Passwords. Select the site/username line you want to delete and click Remove. When done, click Close and restart Mozilla Thunderbird.

• How can I access/change the Master Password?
  
  Go to Tools > Account Settings..., select any account and click on Security in the panel to the left. Click on Manage Security Devices..., select Software Security Device from the list and finally click Change Password.
  

For further documentation please visit the Thunderbird website.