Version 2 of open source email client, Mozilla Thunderbird is to become available for download later this month.
The new incarnation of the popular cross-platform email software will feature new security developments, including a phishing filter, the ability to check webmail, full support for Windows Vista and integration with the Address Book application in Mac OS X.
Thunderbird 1.5, the current version, has almost 50 million users worldwide and has been translated into 35 languages. Much of its popularity among moderate to heavy email users has come about due to Thunderbird’s powerful email filtering and anti-junk mail capabilities, and its customisation possibilities with add-ons.
Meanwhile, the days of buying a new computer with Windows XP pre-installed are numbered. Microsoft has told PC manufacturers supplies of the Windows XP operating system will dry up by the end of this year.
Most new PCs are already shipping with Windows Vista, but by early 2008 this will be the only Microsoft flavour available on new machines.
There has been some concern among small businesses and the small office home office sector about Vista compatibility, driver and hardware issues. Despite the concerns and the relatively muted reaction to Vista, the transition will inevitably occur though it will take many months rather than weeks.
