Why This Book Is for You

This book is for you for a number of reasons. It might be that you are seeking an alternative browser or email program that will give you features that you can't get with another program. You might be looking to switch from your current browser or email program because you have concerns about security. Perhaps you are an existing Firefox or Thunderbird user who is looking for ways to get more out of the programs. Or, you just might be ready for a change from what you're using now. This book will show you what sets Firefox and Thunderbird apart from their competitors and the ways you can use both products to increase your organization and productivity. Here are some of the things that will be covered in the book:

Proactive software = more secure software. Firefox and Thunderbird are designed with built-in features that protect your security and privacy. Taking the "better to be safe than sorry" approach, Firefox and Thunderbird are engineered to let you know when bad things might be on the horizon. Features like remote image blocking and preventing scripts from running by default are examples of ways these products prevent potential trouble before it unfolds.

Flexible software. We all use browsers and email programs differently. Firefox and Thunderbird provide you with a wide variety of ways to customize the look and feel of the user interface with themes. Extensionssmall programs and feature setscan be added to Firefox and Thunderbird to enhance and extend both products' capabilities. For example, you can install an extension in Firefox that blocks advertisements, or a calendar program that runs from the Thunderbird menu. Other extensions add a bevy of additional features that will satisfy even the most discriminating user.

Both products offer many performance features. Firefox has built-in Bookmarks and Download Managers that give you extensive control for tracking your favorite websites and the files and applications you've downloaded. Similarly, Thunderbird offers you many features that let you organize your mail in different fashions, with features such as Grouped by Sort and Saved Searches.

Dynamic software development. There is something that sets Firefox and Thunderbird apart from commercial products. Mozilla, the organization that brings you Firefox and Thunderbird, doesn't have any interest in selling you a software product (after all, they're free) and then locking you into paying for upgrades when they're released. Firefox and Thunderbird rely on a vibrant open source community to provide input and feedback as new versions of the products are being developed. This means the software is always fresh and is continually undergoing scrutiny by the eagle eyes of open source contributors all over the world.

Finally, this book is for you because you are interested in exploring alternatives to what you already have and in learning as much as you can about harnessing the power of these programs. After reading this book, you'll have a better appreciation of open source software development and the many advantages it offers. You'll also have learned about two great programs that can make your computing life safer and more fun. Hop aboardyou're in for a fascinating ride!