Mozilla applications: open-source power and functionality
September 7th, 2009 | Published on: Roundup
Mozilla applications: open-source power and functionality
The Mozilla Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to the creation of open-source software, meaning that their projects available are for distribution and modification. We will detail the most popular Mozilla applications: Firefox, Thunderbird, Songbird, FileZilla and Seamonkey.
Firefox
Firefox is the most popular application from Mozilla. For years now, it has been considered one of the most complete, simple and safe web browser to surf the internet. Firefox features multiple options such as integration with other applications, numerous plug-ins and add-ons to download from their website and automatic updates.
Firefox touts faster rendering, vastly reduced use of system resources, clever new data-mining tools for your bookmarks and browser history, and more security features than any other browser.
Firefox´s interface features a tab system so you don´t need to open multiple browser sessions. Unlike many open-source applications –such as Internet explored based web browsers- Firefox is completely accessible for inexperienced users.
Thunderbird
Thunderbird is Mozilla´s e-mail client and maybe the closest competitor to Microsoft Windows Outlook Express. It features a simple an intuitive interface, plus it´s fully integrated with Firefox.
Though it doesn´t not present as many options as other clients, it does feature deliver some interesting characteristics such as support for themes, powerful e-mail filters and plug-in installation.
Thunderbird it’s a complete email solution, with support for POP, IMAP, and Gmail email accounts (and .Mac on OS X), contacts, as well as RSS and USENET newsgroups. It works just fine with multiple accounts of all kinds, features a logical and well-laid out interface, and can be customized in an almost bewildering number of ways.
Since Eudora was Mozilla´s foundation former name Thunderbird´s interface – almost identical to Eudora Mail- is another remarkable aspect of this e-mail client.
Songbird
Songbird is an open-source audio player with a similar interface to the popular iTunes and presenting most of it features. Among them we can mention the multimedia library storage engine enabling users to create music collections to choose from; an interactive web browser with music portals to download songs, podcast and radio broadcast support; synchronization with mobiles devices such as iPods and more.
Songbird features a Simple and Sleek UI interface , which to some extent resembles interface of Apple iTunes. Like Mozilla Firefox you can open multiple tabs in Songbird, simultaneously browse Internet and manage music inside Songbird using tabs and add different addons/plugins by using add on manager similar to one in Mozilla Firefox.
Songbird is a small simple program compatible with most popular music format (MP3, AAC, OGG, WMA and FLAC) add-ons and plug-ins. Currently, Songbird´s next release is still in development, therefore we may find some shortcomings such as consuming a great deal for system resources.
Filezilla
FileZilla is a complete FTP client solution enabling users to remotely access others PCs. FileZilla´s interface features drag-and-drop allowing you to transfer file with a simple mouse click.
You can also store FTP servers addresses, manage several accounts simultaneously, as well as filtering filenames and creating lists of regular sites.
Among FileZilla´s advanced features, we can mention the option to allow incoming connection through proxies and firewalls, and resuming FTP sessions as well. Though FileZilla is considered one of the best FTP clients out there, the interface could be improved by adding a bit of color.
Seamonkey
Mozilla Seamonkey is an internet application suite made of: a web browser including an e-mail client, an address book, a website editor and a IRC chat client. Seamonkey´s web browser is based on Firefox and has most of its features, apart from including other Mozilla application.
Likewise, it features an HTML editor, a java console, pop-ups and cookies manager and a site translator among others. Seamonkey’s Navigator has standard browser features such as tabbed browsing, pop-up blocking, and cookie controls.
Although Seamonkey sounds like an interesting proposition, it is an application suit suitable for those making their first steps into the internet.
Except for the web browser, the rest of Seamonkey´s application offer basic features only, so users familiarized with the internet will find them less than convenient.
Mozilla products stand for quality, functionality and innovation. It´s no coincidence that the number of users turning their eyes to these amazing, open-source- applications grows by the minute.
With this set of applications we just reviewed, you´ll be able to perform a countless number of activities. With Firefox, web browsing just got better and Thunderbird is an amazing e-mail client with more features than any other e-mail client out there. Download files via FTP with FileZilla, play all your music with Songbird and use Seamonkey if you´re making your first steps into the internet. Start using Mozilla applications now, they will not disappoint you.
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