How to use Thunderbird across a home network

Hi Ramona and everybody else,
I have decided that I want to use Thunderbird across my home network. I already have version 2.0.0.16 (20080708) installed and running perfectly on my PC (with plenty of storage space). What I would like to know is do I have to install it on my laptop (with far less storage space) or can I setup Thunderbird to be accessed from laptop and store any emails received when used in the current Thunderbird folders on my PC?
Cheers and thanks in advance,
Graeme.

 

Only if you want mails on your laptop.

Can be done, but would be messy.

http://kb.mozillazine.org/Thunderbird_:_FAQs_:_Changing_Profile_Folder_Location

 

Just a suggestion ...
EMail programs are constant in size, it is the email content which adds daily space. Also with 2 or more computers, keeping all computers/email content synchronized is another issue ... so I can understand your desire to have one profile over your network for both of your computers.
A possible solution is to choose a email service which provides IMAP connection and is viewable through Thunderbird. This type of email connection stores all your email activity on a web server (including your SENT / authored emails using different computers). This provides a single email depository sharing all of it's contents for both/many computers that have access to the email account. You can access this account through your normal Thunderbird view, anywhere you have a Internet connection. You have the same email content information in one location, shared to any of your computers.
Links for Free IMAP email servers
I use Aim IMAP email server for one of my email accounts. Have used it for over a year. Very reliable and surprising fast. A few months ago Gmail also offered this option (which I have not tried).

 

Graeme,

That is the same setup I have except I have two PCs and no laptop. It's actually fairly simple to setup. Install Thunderbird on your laptop using the same profile name as the one on your PC. When making your settings, just list the location of your profile on your main PC. For example, the Local Directory on my networked system is \\Kidsdell\c\Documents and Settings\xxusernamexx\Application Data\Thunderbird\Profiles\xxprofilenamexx\Mail\Local Folders

This way, all the mail stays on the main system yet I can access the account through any of my other systems. Naturally, both systems will have to be on to access the TB account.

I hope that helps.

Mike

 

G'day all,
Thanks to all for the replies,
I happen to like the reply Mike gave as it sounds quite simple. I will experiment with solution and get back to you all with the results (could take some time).
Any further suggestions would be greatle appreciated.
Cheers and many thanks,
Graeme.