Lightning 0.8

Publisher's description of Lightning

view larger

Lightning is an extension for Mozilla Thunderbird that adds an integrated calendar to the e-mail client. It is based on the standalone Mozilla Sunbird calendar application. Lightning includes the Daylight Savings Time (summer time) changes passed by the U.S. legislature in 2005.

Version 0.8 introduces a task mode, a new icon set and reworked menu structure, an event list, a totally overhauled alarm dialog, and several performance fixes.

See more CNET content tagged:

lightning,

Mozilla Thunderbird,

Mozilla Corp.,

calendar,

event

Editor's review of Lightning

Lightning makes Thunderbird soar above Outlook for home use, and places it on nearly equal ground in the office. It includes an overhauled interface with easy-to-use buttons for jumping between email and your calendar, LDAP directory support for event invites, and Sun Java Calendar Server support.

Work on the plug-in is now handled by Mozilla as they prepare to integrate its code into Thunderbird for the big version 3 update coming later this year, but that doesn't mean the plug-in isn't ready for prime-time now. A menu bar for switching between mail and calendar views can live either above or below the folder tree on the left. On the right side of the main pane is a new panel for quickly viewing and managing events and tasks. Option-heavy, it can show only events, only tasks, both, or hide the pane completely, as well as make changes to and create new events and tasks.

Events are searchable at the calendar top. Just below it is a hideable pane showing upcoming events in a spreadsheet format. There are built-in presets for the next seven, 14, and 31 days, and they can be arranged by start date, end date, title, location, and calendar. Lightning supports multiple calendars, including iCal, and has bidirectional support for Google Calendar with the Provider for Google Calendar plug-in.

There is also support for Exchange servers, although for enterprise use fans of Thunderbird/Lightning will likely have to talk to their tech support teams to get the servers configured properly. That, of course, is the biggest drawback compared to Outlook. Old bugs relating to timezone management and invitation responses have been eliminated, though, making this add-on an absolute requirement for all users, both at home and in the office.

User reviews of Lightning

• Average user rating: out of 21 votes
• Your rating: Write your own review

This software version | All versions

• [+] Expand review

  Lightning

  Doesn't install with Firefox 3.0

  by: design_girl on 15-Jul-2008 09:37:52 PM

  Cons: you apparently need firefox to install xpi files (which this is) and it doesn't install for Firefox 3.0.

  Was this review helpful? Yes | No (1 of 1 users said yes)

  Flag for offensive content Reply to this review (0 replies)

• [+] Expand review

  Lightning

  And just how do you install this?

  by: zlftcav on 15-Jul-2008 09:12:31 PM

  Pros: Can't say a whole lot since it won't install

  Cons: There must be some deep dark secret about installing this because Windows and Thunderbird don't recognize it.

  Was this review helpful? Yes | No (1 of 1 users said yes)

  Flag for offensive content Reply to this review (0 replies)

• [+] Expand review

  Lightning

  Works well for tasks, I use it for my daily to do tasks.

  by: Thad Taylor on 17-Aug-2008 02:24:02 AM

  Pros: The task portion works well, its simple easy and right there with my mail.

  Cons: The event portion of the program is weak from the point of not being able to modify category names and colors. I use Sunbird for that. I hope with the scheduled update later in the year it is a really great program. A fully functional Sunbird integrated into Thunderbird would be perfect.

  Was this review helpful? Yes | No

  Flag for offensive content Reply to this review (0 replies)

• [+] Expand review

  Lightning

  The addon is not for Firefox

  by: fulvio7 on 12-Aug-2008 10:42:17 AM

  Pros: I have no use for it, but several people had problem with this add-on which is for Thunderbird, and not Firefox. I have TB2.0.0.16, and I installed it like any other add-on. The file was downloaded to the Desktop, and I brought up Tools|Add-ons. then dragged and dropped the .xpi in the add-on manager. No problem.

  Not compatible with TB3.0b1, and SM2.0a1.

  Was this review helpful? Yes | No

  Flag for offensive content Reply to this review (0 replies)

• [+] Expand review

  Lightning

  Integrates a calendar into Thunderbird! Wonderful.

  by: BainterJr on 08-Aug-2008 07:57:07 PM

  Pros: Easy to load and easy to use. Multiple calendars is a plus.

  Cons: First several attempts to incorporate a web based calendar did not work well.

  Was this review helpful? Yes | No

  Flag for offensive content Reply to this review (0 replies)

Submit your review for Lightning:

You must be 13 years of age or older to submit personal information to CNET Networks. In compliance with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998, CNET Networks does not accept name and e-mail address information from users who are under 13 years of age.

All submitted ratings and written comments become the sole property of CNET Networks, Inc. (CNET) and may be used at CNET Networks' sole discretion. Ratings and written comments are generally posted within two to four business days in batch groups, not in real time. However, CNET Networks reserves the right to remove or refuse to post any submission for any reason. You acknowledge that you, not CNET Networks, are responsible for the contents of your submission.

CNET Networks is not responsible for the content of the publisher's descriptions or user reviews on this site. We encourage you to determine whether this product or your intended use is legal. We do not encourage or condone the use of any software in violation of applicable laws. CNET Download.com does not sell, resell, or license any of the products listed on the site. We cannot be held liable for issues that arise from the download or use of these products.