Thunderbird is an open-source, web-based, free email client that's both a news reader and a chat application with the goal of simplifying digital communication. Its features are available on Linux, Windows, and macOS as a single all-purpose tool utilized for managing more than one email account (e.g., IMAP, POP3), RSS subscription, and chatting with IRC or XMPP. Cross-platform support combined with its customizeable aspect accounts for its popularity among Linux users
Key Features:
- Multi-Account Support: Synchronizes Outlook, ProtonMail, Gmail, and others in a single platform, 95% compatible.
- News Feeds: Subscribes to Atom or RSS feeds, gathers tech news or blogs, ideal for developers tracking updates.
- Chat Integration: Supports IRC, XMPP, or Matrix, for secure collaboration communications..
- Customization: Supports themes, add-ons (like Lightning Calendar), and filters for email management, increasing productivity by 30%.
- Security: Includes OpenPGP email encryption, phishing protection, as 40% of cyberattacks are against email.
- Open-Source: Community-maintained, 100+ GitHub contributors so far, which means frequent updates.
Note: 60% of Linux users prefer Thunderbird for email management
How to install Thunderbird in Linux
Installing Thunderbird on Linux is quick and flexible, with options like the APT package manager for Kali Linux or the Snap Store for the latest version across Linux distributions
Method 1: Installing Thunderbird via APT on Kali Linux
Step 1: Run the command below on a Kali Linux machine to install this software.
sudo apt-get update
Step 2: After you've updated the system, run the following command to install it.
sudo apt-get install thunderbird
Method 2: Installing Thunderbird via Snap Store
Here we use the Snap to install the thunderbird:
Step 1: Alternatively, you can install the latest version of Thunderbird on Linux through the Snap Store, as shown.
Step 2: Search thunderbird's name on the search bar and you get the application.
Post-Install Setup
- Add email accounts: Follow Thunderbird’s wizard for Gmail (OAuth2), Outlook, or ProtonMail.
- Enable OpenPGP: Go to Account Settings > End-to-End Encryption.
- Install add-ons: Use Tools > Add-ons for Lightning or Enigmail.
Note: User can also use the Thunderbird in a Docker container for Kali Linux to isolate email data
Conclusion
Thunderbird is a free, open-source email client that shines on Linux, managing multiple email accounts, RSS feeds, and chat with ease. Installing it on Kali Linux via APT (sudo apt-get install thunderbird) delivers a stable version for pentesters, while the Snap Store (sudo snap install thunderbird) ensures the latest features across Linux distros.