using Thunderbird on multiple PCs

I have been using a free webmail service as my primary mail, but for the last year or so I've been overrun with spam because their "protection" is so ineffective. And I finally have had enough.

Now I want to register a domain, and I am interested in using Thunderbird as the POP/IMAP client. But my use of multiple computers is a concern. Is there any way I can keep the mail synchronized between them? I now have Linux and Win98SE systems, and I will be adding a Win2000 system to the mix rsn. I don't want the Win98 Tbird getting confused just because I did some mail in Linux.

 

Is there any way I can keep the mail synchronized between them? I now have Linux and Win98SE systems, and I will be adding a Win2000 system to the mix rsn.

The simplest way - choose a IMAP type mail account. This maintains all the mail records in one shared location. Any / many computers (with proper authority /program) can access the shared set of email records. If you choose a Web based email server, your email records can be accessed anywhere via an Internet connection. The "one" problem I'm aware of for this approach would be a copy of your "sent email(s)" when authored from your email client. They are stored on the local drive sending the email. You could get around this by "Bcc" yourself to have a copy available to the IMAP shared set of records (Thunderbird can be set to automatically do this). Your email client with proper filters could then sort them them to a special "sent folder ". This problem may be eliminated by choosing a paid IMAP email service account. Another option would be to originate new emails from the "web view ". I've never worked with an "inhouse" IMAP email server, but I would assume this would NOT be a issue. With proper authority you would have the same "shared" view to the "sent folder ".

Another approach to the project would be to use a "synchronized backup type program" to keep each computer current. Thunderbird is cross platformed per your Linux and Windows needs. Not sure how easy / difficult / jump through hoops to get past Thunderbirds profile security, which is where the email folders are located .. and pass records back and forth. I believe there is a hack to create "identical" profiles.

Last approach ...
but for the last year or so I've been overrun with spam.
For personnel email accounts, spam should not / is not a problem .. unless you allow it (or caused by your ISP, if yes fire them, and find a reputable ISP). By following a few simple but rigid rules, spam is a very minor problem. Can go into details when you decide what you want to do.

 

I stand corrected ....
Just changed settings / tested / checked my Web based IMAP email server account (free service). When I authored and sent a email from Thunderbird, it DID place a copy in the "Sent Folder" on the Web server. They must have upgraded their service. So definitely set up a IMAP account. Just set up each Thunderbird / computer to access the same IMAP account ... done.