email client Archives

Winsage

February 14, 2025

Microsoft just made Windows 10 worse, and there’s (almost) nothing you can do about it

Windows 10 users are experiencing a transition to the new Outlook for Windows app, which has replaced the classic Mail & Calendar app following a recent update that also addresses security vulnerabilities. The new Outlook operates as a web app, leading to performance issues and mixed reactions regarding its design. A mandatory rollout of the new Outlook began this week with the Windows 10 KB5051974 update, which will be automatically installed for users on Windows 11 version 22H2. IT administrators can manage the update and can block or uninstall the new Outlook if necessary. Windows 10 is approaching its end of support in October, with fewer updates expected moving forward, while extended support will incur additional costs.

Winsage

December 22, 2024

5 open source tools to replace Microsoft apps on Windows

Windows users can find open-source alternatives to Microsoft's applications, which can help avoid subscription fees. 1. Thunderbird: A free, open-source email client from the Mozilla Foundation, it offers features like multiple account support, a unified inbox, advanced filtering, and calendar integration. The latest version, 128, includes a modernized interface called Nebula UI and is available on Windows, Linux, Mac, and Android. 2. Nextcloud: An open-source platform for personal cloud storage and collaboration, allowing users to host their files on personal servers. It offers file storage, syncing, and sharing, but lacks advanced chat or video conferencing features. 3. Joplin: An open-source note-taking application similar to OneNote, supporting multiple themes, Markdown formatting, and tagging. It features end-to-end encryption and a web clipper for Chrome and Edge, though its user interface may feel outdated. 4. Kdenlive: An open-source video editor that supports multi-track editing, various effects, and advanced tools like chroma keying and audio mixing. It is free to use and compatible with many video and audio formats. 5. LibreOffice: A free office suite that includes applications comparable to Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. It allows users to open, edit, and save Microsoft Office formats, although it lacks mobile versions and is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux desktops.

Winsage

December 9, 2024

Outlook breaks on Windows 11 24H2 if you have this plugin installed

Microsoft has announced a compatibility issue with Windows 11 version 24H2 affecting users of Google Workspace Sync with Microsoft Outlook. After upgrading, some users may find that Outlook fails to open, and they cannot uninstall Google Workspace Sync. To resolve this, users need to update Google Workspace Sync to version 4.3.68.0. The Windows 11 24H2 update has been temporarily blocked for those using older versions of Google Workspace Sync, and access will not be restored until the update is applied.

Winsage

November 27, 2024

‘RomCom’ APT Mounts Zero-Day, Zero-Click Browser Escapes in Firefox, Tor

In October, Russian hackers gained the ability to deploy arbitrary code against users of Firefox and Tor, exploiting two zero-day vulnerabilities: CVE-2024-9680 in Mozilla software and CVE-2024-49039 in Windows. The first vulnerability, a use-after-free flaw in Firefox's animation timelines, was rated 9.8 on the CVSS and allowed attackers to execute arbitrary commands. The second vulnerability enabled privilege escalation through an undocumented remote procedure call (RPC) endpoint. Both vulnerabilities were quickly patched, with CVE-2024-9680 addressed on October 9 and CVE-2024-49039 on November 12. The majority of targets were located in North America and Europe, particularly in countries like the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Poland, Spain, Italy, and the US. None of the victims tracked by ESET were compromised via Tor.

AppWizard

November 13, 2024

How to add PGP support on Android for added security and privacy

Certain communications require encryption for security, especially emails, which should only be accessible to intended recipients with the correct decryption key. Most Android email clients lack this feature, making third-party applications necessary. Thunderbird is highlighted as a strong choice for Android users due to its compatibility with PGP and open-source nature. OpenKeychain is recommended for adding encryption to communications on Android devices, requiring only an Android device and a Google account for installation. To create an encryption key in OpenKeychain, users must open the app, tap "Create My Key," enter their name and email, and optionally enable keyserver access. After creating the key, users can share public keys for encrypted email exchanges and import keys from files. For adding encryption to Thunderbird, users must install the app, access settings, navigate to "End-to-End Encryption," enable OpenPGP support, and select the key created in OpenKeychain. Once set up, users can compose encrypted emails, but recipients must also have encryption support in their email clients.

Winsage

November 11, 2024

End of an era: Microsoft is planning to phase out Windows 11’s Mail and Calendar apps by the end of this year

Microsoft will discontinue support for its built-in Mail and Calendar applications in Windows 11 on December 31, 2024. After this date, users must use the web-based Outlook app for email and calendar management. The Mail and Calendar apps will only allow read-only access to emails and calendar events, with sending and receiving messages disabled. Users will be redirected to the Outlook web app for email interactions, which currently lacks offline access, though Microsoft is working on this feature. Starting January 1, 2025, users must adapt to the Outlook platform or seek third-party alternatives. Users can export local emails, calendar events, and contacts before the transition. Feedback on the Outlook web app has been mixed, with concerns about its design and functionality.

Winsage

November 10, 2024

Windows Mail will stop working on December 31, 2024

Microsoft has confirmed that support for Windows Mail, Calendar, and People will end on December 31, 2024. After this date, users will no longer be able to send or receive emails using these applications. Microsoft is transitioning users to the new Outlook for Windows, and while local emails, calendar events, and contacts can be exported, the older applications will cease to function entirely. User feedback on the new Outlook has been largely negative, with many expressing dissatisfaction regarding its performance and features.

Winsage

November 1, 2024

If you’re ready to leave Windows 11 behind, I recommend this distro for new Linux users

SDesk is an Arch-based Linux distribution designed for new users, featuring a user-friendly GNOME desktop environment with a traditional layout. It comes pre-installed with applications such as LibreOffice, Geary, GNOME Music, GNOME Video, Octopi, GNOME Maps, and Swirl. Users can install additional software easily through Octopi or Flatpak. The distribution offers a clean and visually appealing interface, with good performance and enhanced window snapping. However, it has some bugs, such as desktop lock-ups during login after updates, and lacks codecs for MP3 or MP4 playback, which can be resolved by installing VLC media player.

AppWizard

November 1, 2024

Mozilla’s Thunderbird email app for Android is finally available

Mozilla has launched an official Thunderbird app for Android after over two decades of absence from the mobile email application market. The app is based on the open-source code of K-9, an email application that Mozilla acquired, and has been developed in collaboration with the original K-9 team since 2022. The beta version of the app received positive feedback, leading to a swift transition to a stable version. The Thunderbird app features a refreshed interface and new functionalities while retaining some familiar features from K-9. It is now available for download on the Play Store.

AppWizard

October 31, 2024

Mozilla’s Thunderbird email app is now officially available on Android

Mozilla has launched its email application, Thunderbird, for Android after a successful beta phase. The app is available for download from the Play Store or as an APK from GitHub and requires Android version 5.0 or higher. Thunderbird is an open-source, ad-free email client that allows users to manage multiple email accounts with a Unified Inbox. It is supported by donations from users and focuses on privacy and data protection.