4. Using Thunderbird
Thunderbird is a fast and powerful e-mail program. The sections below will teach you how to run Thunderbird, log in to your e-mail, read your e-mail, reply, send messages, and send and receive attachments. Also included are instructions for saving and retrieving messages from multiple folders for better organization of your e-mail messages.
4.1. Starting Thunderbird and Logging In
Follow this procedure to get started:
Double-click on the Thunderbird icon to launch the program. If you do not see the Thunderbird icon, ask your system administrator or call PCC.
Enter your Partner password for access to your mail and click "OK".
For better security, do not use Password Manager to remember your password.
4.2. Read and Delete Messages
On the main Thunderbird screen, you will see the contents of your e-mail Inbox. The most recent messages are located at the bottom of the list. Unread messages are shown in bold.
Click on any message to read it. Delete any message by selecting it and pressing Delete or clicking on the "Delete" action button.
Most basic e-mail functions, such as writing a new message or replying, are available in the convenient button bar at the top of the window.
| Accidentally Deleted |
|---|---|
How do you retrieve an e-mail message that you deleted accidentally? Deleted messages are moved to the "Trash" folder. Click on the trash folder to view its contents. You can drag messages out of the trash folder and back to your Inbox. |
4.3. Write a New Message or Reply
Click "Write" to compose a new message. Or, click "Reply" while viewing a message to compose a new message to its sender. You can click "Reply All" to ensure that your message will also be sent to everyone who received the original message. Finally, you can click "Forward" to include the selected message's text into a new message to any recipient.
The procedure below is a step-by-step guide to creating and sending a new message.
Click "Write"
Fill Out Message Information
Write Your Message
Click "Send"
4.4. Sending and Receiving Attachments
You can send and receive files that are attached to e-mail messages. In this way, you could send a spreadsheet to your accountant or receive pictures from colleagues across the country. Follow the instructions below to either send or receive an attachment.
 | Viruses and unwanted advertisement programs are often spread using attachments. Thunderbird has protection to prevent viruses from being opened and installed automatically, but you should never open an attachment that you are not expecting, even if it is from an address that is familiar to you. You should speak with the sender and find out an attachment's contents before you open it. |
Send an Attachment
Compose a Message
First, create a new e-mail message that will contain the attachment. Either reply to an existing message or write a new one. In the text of your e-mail, you should explain the attachment to your recipient.
Click "Attach" to Select a File
Find the Needed File
Use the file selection dialog box to select the file you wish to attach to your message.
Select the file and click "Open" or double-click on its icon.
You should see the file attached to your message:
Click "Send" to Send the E-mail and the Attachment
Receive an Attachment
Open a Message With an Attachment
A message with an attachment will look like this:
Double-Click on the File
Select "Open With" or "Save to Disk"
You can open a file and view it without saving a copy to your folders. Or, you can save it to your Desktop or other folder for later viewing.
If you choose to open your file, it will open as soon as you click "Ok."
4.5. Using Mail Folders
If you don't delete all incoming messages immediately after reading them, or if you like to save certain messages for later retrieval, you should use mail folders. The default mail folders are "Inbox," "Sent," and "Trash," but you can add your own folders and use them for any purpose you like.
| If you used PCC mail folders in pine or elm, you can connect to those same folders and continue using them. Read the Thunderbird Configuration and Installation document to learn more. |
In the example below, you will learn how to create a "Meeting Minutes" mail folder. Next, you will learn how to move messages into that folder.
Creating a New Mail Folder
Click "File", "New" and "New Folder...":
Enter a Name For Your New Folder
Give your folder a clear and descriptive name.
The folder should be stored on your Partner e-mail account. You can change it to be stored locally, if you wish.
Click "Okay" to Create the Folder
Save Messages to a Folder
Go To Your Message Inbox
If you are not already viewing your message index, click "Inbox" to return to it.
Click and Drag Messages
Click and drag any message or messages you wish to move to any folder.
