Update engine, minor improvements

Following the rapid-release update schedule adopted by Firefox, the Mozilla Foundation has released a final version of Thunderbird 9.0. The free open-source, multi-platform e-mail alternative has been updated to use the Mozilla Gecko 9 engine, sports a new "opt-in" system for reporting performance and usability data back to Mozilla, adds support for Personas and updates security. A separate security update was also released.

Thunderbird 9.0 handles e-mail and also functions as a Usenet ("news") client that offers cross-platform uniformity and extensive migration from other e-mail programs. It features an integrated address book (compatible with the Mac's Address Book), tabbed e-mail windows, optional archiving, automatic "missing attachment" detection and a wide variety of third-party add-ons that enhance or add new abilities.

The "Personas" (themes) feature now extends to both the compose and address book windows, and the new version offers better keyboard handling for attachments. Windows users can now hide or show the menu bar, and users of other versions of Thunderbird can now download the separate security update that brings their version up to par with v9 in terms of security.

The 9.0 version is available now and is available natively in some 51 different languages. Windows and Linux versions are also available.

by MacNN Staff