Facebook's recent implementation of "Subscribe" functionality -- mimicking Twitter's (which mimicked SMS blog feeds), and "Close Friends" and "Acquaintances" -- attempting to get users to more easily use their grouping features that Google+ did, brilliantly, with the latter's "Circles" concept -- is a bid for FB to become more relevant in the timeliness arena, a means for them to compete with Twitter and Google+ in the right-now world. Fair enough.
Of course, with social networks now almost as prevalent as chat clients became ten years ago, the same issues exist that have been there since the beginning. One must either be a member, of all of them, or have a client application that spans them all, or fear being left behind, or worse, MISSING SOMETHING. {gasp}
This gives "we move in different circles" an entirely new, modern, and somewhat depressing slant. Often, it is not through intentional exclusion that people find themselves out of the loop. More often it is a result of them either not having taken the time, to set themselves up in yet another venue, or it is the posters, who wishing their company, failed to advertise where in the heck their space is.
And now, many of us have numerous email addresses, and few of us aggregate them into one email client, and thus need to remember to check multiple locations to get all of one's email. Many of us also have multiple phone numbers, and our contacts often do not know which one of these is our preferred conduit, between us and them. In our contact lists we may have three or four, for any given contact, not knowing which accept text messages and which are land lines.
And texting is really the universal "chat", but it's about as limited, as a tweet, for conveying useful information.
So, enjoy your new found freedom to blast your thoughts into the cloud, people. Hopefully at least a few of your intended targets will see them.
20 September, 2011
17 September, 2011
Joli OS - A Primer - Installation Steps Included
Preface
For fun, I set out to accomplish the following within a two-hour window. I achieved all my goals. Joli OS really is simple. For full disclosure, note that, a few days earlier, I did create my Jolicloud Desktop online account, a step that would have added five minutes to today's adventure, had I waited.
Goals
Experience
====== Joli OS - A Primer ======
Quick Notes by Dan Reams (@ebsewi)
2011-09-17
===== Summary =====
Joli OS is an OS, optimized for netbooks and old PC's, based on the Ubuntu GNU/Linux OS, with a modified Ubuntu kernel.
It currently has two download options - an ISO image, from which you can format a hard drive and install the OS, and a Windows installer, with which you can install a multi-boot system and thus run, for example, Windows XP OR Joli OS, chosen at boot time.
It provides integration with your cloud-based files, allowing you to easily access them all from any Joli OS implementation you have. E.g., I can access my files from my netbook's installation, from my dedicated Joli OS ancient house PC -- given new life, by Joli OS -- and even from the Jolicloud desktop, available via any supported browser from any OS, thus allowing me access to my files from my primary home Windows XP machine, my work Windows7 PC, a Mac, my wife's iPad...etc.
===== Clarification between Joli OS and Jolicloud =====
Joli OS used to be called Jolicloud, but branched off as an OS when the Jolicloud name was repurposed to refer to the online desktop product. One can use Jolicloud from any compatible browser. For more information on Jolicloud, visit http://www.jolicloud.com and follow the links.
If someone tells you they are running Jolicloud, on their netbook, they are more likely running Joli OS, versus an older version still called Jolicloud. This can be confusing if you go looking to install the OS...and find yourself staring at the online desktop product.
The sheet you are reading now is dedicated to Joli OS.
===== Installation Methodologies =====
Depending on your needs, you can choose any of the methods listed below.
I recommend dedicating a USB flash drive for the purpose. I dug around in my junk drawer and found a teeny 1GB drive, copied the EXE to it, and ran it from my netbook. I then deleted the EXE, from the USB drive, and ****
==== Preface ====
I recommend you read http://help.jolicloud.com/entries/191624-what-are-the-differences-between-the-jolicloud-windows-installer-and-an-iso-install , as it explains the difference between running Joli OS, from a file-based partition, existing within your Windows NTFS partition, and the use of an actual separate system partition, on your hard drive. For my initial installation I chose the former (see 'My Netbook Experience', below). Even though my gut told me to use the separate partition approach (due to my general geekiness and adoration of keeping OS's separate), I opted for the "from Windows" approach to see how it works, figuring most of my readers might also prefer this simpler solution. From the docs, the performance differences are stated to be negligible, if at all noticeable.
==== Running from a USB Flash Drive or Other Removable Media {E.g., Flash Disk} ====
This allows one to boot the OS from a flash drive, assuming one has configured one's netbook (or other PC) to boot from the flash drive. As always, choose a fast USB port if your device has a choice between the ancient USB 1.0 ports and the newer USB 2.0 (or even newer) ports. See http://help.jolicloud.com/entries/248282-how-do-i-try-jolicloud-and-joli-os-without-installing-it , which outlines this method.
To create the USB Key itself -- which is just a USB flash drive with a boot partition and software on it -- go to http://help.jolicloud.com/entries/231051-creating-a-jolicloud-usb-key-guide and follow the directions.
In summary, download the jolicloud-usb-creator-installer-{version number}.exe and the Joli-OS-{version number}.iso file, run the creator EXE, and follow the screens. Don't fall asleep yet! Your 'create' button will be grayed out until you browse, in the application, and locate your ISO file that you downloaded above. See the link above for screen shots and instructions.
Note that, once the USB Key installer is installed, you can create as many keys as you want, whenever you want. Very, very cool.
You will find the Jolicloud USB Creator in your Windows' Programs.
==== Installing and Running the Windows Multi-Boot ====
I choose to run the multi-boot, on my Windows XP netbook. This is great for general web browsing or note-taking circumstances when I need to get information, or write notes, extremely quickly. It also allows me to boot into Windows XP when I need to do so. Note this does not COME WITH Windows XP; it merely allows one's Windows XP to survive, on the machine, untouched.
As mentioned in the 'Preface' above, I chose to install Joli OS to my netbook using the Windows Installer, versus installing it to my netbook via the USB ISO file. For the required steps, see http://help.jolicloud.com/entries/230291-how-do-i-install-joli-os-while-keeping-windows .
The above link refers to 'Joli OS Express', which is the Windows installer (Joli-OS-Installer.exe) found at the downloads link. The quick steps for doing that can be found at http://help.jolicloud.com/entries/230291#download-jolicloud-express .
=== My Netbook Experience ===
As previously stated, I chose to run Joli OS from a file-based partition -- a virtual partition, if you will -- housed within my existing NTFS file system. To accomplish this I simply ran the Joli-OS-Installer.exe file, allowed it to create a 50GB partition file, determined a PC login name and password,* and allowed the device to restart.
*I chose a generic login name and password that my whole family, or even a guest, can use. Reason: After restart, one will be prompted to login to their ONLINE Jolicloud Desktop account, and each person can have their own. Thus, my method allows for multiple users to utilize the Joli OS installation, versus just dedicating it to myself.
==
I found the above struck-through methodology to be an incorrect approach. The result of that procedure was the creation of an administrator-level user that had NTFS-level administrator access to the entire PC. I.e., that user could browse to any folder, on the system, including all the Windows users' documents folders, etc. Thus, an alternate, safe approach is to have the users utilize the Joli OS's "Guest" account, which will offer the user the ability to login to their Jolicloud address. Using the guest login, the user can still modify their data, online (in the cloud), but no files will be saved to the local device.
I had hoped that the Joli OS' "Guest" login would take the guest to a generic app page, where the user could utilize each app, as needed (such as Gmail), logging in as necessary. Unfortunately, Joli OS is married to Jolicloud (online Desktop), making the utility, of Joli OS, as a general kiosk solution, for my old dumpy family PC, far less useful. It will require each family member to have her own Jolicloud account/profile. While this is fine, and something I can set up for them, it is not likely any house guests will have such an account. I will check the forums, for possible solutions, and update this blog entry with my thoughts as I learn more.
Summary: I erred in having defined my goal. My goal was to create a general kiosk, usable by anyone, allowing them to connect to any web app they chose -- even just a web browser if they so chose -- and relying on them to authenticate to their own web resources via any given app. This was achieved, but only if the guest user has an existing Jolicloud account or is willing to create one on the fly. Thus, Joli OS is not a tenable solution for a public-access kiosk, at least based on what I have learned so far (three hours into my Joli life).
My post, to the Joli OS 1.2 Feature list Facebook page, in response to my above experience:
Dan Reams: I installed the latest Joli OS, and it's neat. However, the Guest mode requires the guest to have a Jolicloud account. If they do not have one, they cannot be passed through to a generic guest Jolicloud dashboard. Instead, their only two options are to sign in or sign up. Such users cannot even use a web browser without signing in. This makes the concept of "loan the PC to a friend" only useful if one's friend has a Jolicloud account or is willing to create one on the fly.
Don't get me wrong; I'm still a fan. I understand Joli wanting to direct people to create accounts, to be exposed to Joli content. I also realize that doing so is especially simple if the guest allows Jolicloud to link to their Facebook accounts. My point is simply that the use of a guest account should be understood to be defined as "allowing a Jolicloud user to use this device without user data being permanently stored on the device," versus "allow a friend to easily access the Internet."
My full experience can be found here: http://tinyurl.com/437wjn3
==
After the restart the installer continued its work, installing Joli OS, providing a progress bar and various tips and tricks screens to keep me occupied. I ignored these screens, preferring to write this document. After a ten minute installation process, the netbook rebooted and notified me that I would need to connect to a network to continue, advising me to click the network connectivity icon. I did so, saw my home network, logged into it*, and was ready to go. In the Joli OS login screen, I was prompted to log in to my online Jolicloud account. I did so, and was then staring at my online account. I quickly configured my Google Mail and Google Docs, and was then ready to explore.
*I opted NOT to save my Joli OS Desktop login information, so that only I would have access to my data. Any other users of the OS can then proceed to access their data via their own online credentials.
I then logged out (via the Power Button icon), held my breath, and was greeted with the standard Windows boot options menu (Yay!), offering me both Joli OS and Windows XP. I was able to launch XP just fine.
Synopsis: A pleasurable experience, both in installation and usage. Since the online desktop interface applies to anywhere I log in to Joli Desktop, I can add and configure my apps, from the comfort of my home PC, and use them on my netbook later, without having to configure them VIA the netbook. My total time spent, from getting up and making coffee, downloading and installing the OS, and writing this entire document, was exactly two hours. Granted, I was using two PC's, but still...not too shabby. If you follow the instructions you can be up and running in about 15 minutes, I'd guess.
==== OS Installation to a Hard Drive ====
This is a fantastic refit for your old, retired and under-the-stairs box that you've always been meaning to strip for parts, or wipe its HD of sensitive data, but just haven't gotten around to doing yet. Quickly make a Internet kiosk that your guests can access...without screwing up your main PC or otherwise allowing them access to your personal data devices.
Follow the steps at http://help.jolicloud.com/entries/230978-how-do-i-make-joli-os-my-only-operating-system to make this happen.
NOTE: This method also allows one to install the OS, to a separate PARITION, on the hard drive, keeping your other OS intact.
In summary, you will need to download the ISO file, the USB Creator application (for Windows, Mac, or Linux), create a USB key, and set up the device.
HINT: If you want to see what this will eventually look like, use the USB method with 'Try Joli OS without installing', which will let you run Joli OS from the USB drive, without installing anything to your device.
===== Downloads =====
Official http://www.jolicloud.com/download
Both the "Keep Windows" (multi-OS) and ISO (disc image) packages
===== Support =====
Official Support http://www.jolicloud.com/support
Includes various installation options
===== Information =====
Official http://www.jolicloud.com/product
Official Blog http://www.jolicloud.com/blog/
Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joli_OS
For fun, I set out to accomplish the following within a two-hour window. I achieved all my goals. Joli OS really is simple. For full disclosure, note that, a few days earlier, I did create my Jolicloud Desktop online account, a step that would have added five minutes to today's adventure, had I waited.
Goals
- Learn enough about Joli OS to install it as a multi-boot option to my Acer One D255 netbook.
- Learn enough about Joli OS to install it to a USB key that I could use on any PC.
- Learn enough about Jolicloud to configure my online account.
- Write this primer
Experience
====== Joli OS - A Primer ======
Quick Notes by Dan Reams (@ebsewi)
2011-09-17
===== Summary =====
Joli OS is an OS, optimized for netbooks and old PC's, based on the Ubuntu GNU/Linux OS, with a modified Ubuntu kernel.
It currently has two download options - an ISO image, from which you can format a hard drive and install the OS, and a Windows installer, with which you can install a multi-boot system and thus run, for example, Windows XP OR Joli OS, chosen at boot time.
It provides integration with your cloud-based files, allowing you to easily access them all from any Joli OS implementation you have. E.g., I can access my files from my netbook's installation, from my dedicated Joli OS ancient house PC -- given new life, by Joli OS -- and even from the Jolicloud desktop, available via any supported browser from any OS, thus allowing me access to my files from my primary home Windows XP machine, my work Windows7 PC, a Mac, my wife's iPad...etc.
===== Clarification between Joli OS and Jolicloud =====
Joli OS used to be called Jolicloud, but branched off as an OS when the Jolicloud name was repurposed to refer to the online desktop product. One can use Jolicloud from any compatible browser. For more information on Jolicloud, visit http://www.jolicloud.com and follow the links.
If someone tells you they are running Jolicloud, on their netbook, they are more likely running Joli OS, versus an older version still called Jolicloud. This can be confusing if you go looking to install the OS...and find yourself staring at the online desktop product.
The sheet you are reading now is dedicated to Joli OS.
===== Installation Methodologies =====
Depending on your needs, you can choose any of the methods listed below.
I recommend dedicating a USB flash drive for the purpose. I dug around in my junk drawer and found a teeny 1GB drive, copied the EXE to it, and ran it from my netbook. I then deleted the EXE, from the USB drive, and ****
==== Preface ====
I recommend you read http://help.jolicloud.com/entries/191624-what-are-the-differences-between-the-jolicloud-windows-installer-and-an-iso-install , as it explains the difference between running Joli OS, from a file-based partition, existing within your Windows NTFS partition, and the use of an actual separate system partition, on your hard drive. For my initial installation I chose the former (see 'My Netbook Experience', below). Even though my gut told me to use the separate partition approach (due to my general geekiness and adoration of keeping OS's separate), I opted for the "from Windows" approach to see how it works, figuring most of my readers might also prefer this simpler solution. From the docs, the performance differences are stated to be negligible, if at all noticeable.
==== Running from a USB Flash Drive or Other Removable Media {E.g., Flash Disk} ====
This allows one to boot the OS from a flash drive, assuming one has configured one's netbook (or other PC) to boot from the flash drive. As always, choose a fast USB port if your device has a choice between the ancient USB 1.0 ports and the newer USB 2.0 (or even newer) ports. See http://help.jolicloud.com/entries/248282-how-do-i-try-jolicloud-and-joli-os-without-installing-it , which outlines this method.
To create the USB Key itself -- which is just a USB flash drive with a boot partition and software on it -- go to http://help.jolicloud.com/entries/231051-creating-a-jolicloud-usb-key-guide and follow the directions.
In summary, download the jolicloud-usb-creator-installer-{version number}.exe and the Joli-OS-{version number}.iso file, run the creator EXE, and follow the screens. Don't fall asleep yet! Your 'create' button will be grayed out until you browse, in the application, and locate your ISO file that you downloaded above. See the link above for screen shots and instructions.
Note that, once the USB Key installer is installed, you can create as many keys as you want, whenever you want. Very, very cool.
You will find the Jolicloud USB Creator in your Windows' Programs.
==== Installing and Running the Windows Multi-Boot ====
I choose to run the multi-boot, on my Windows XP netbook. This is great for general web browsing or note-taking circumstances when I need to get information, or write notes, extremely quickly. It also allows me to boot into Windows XP when I need to do so. Note this does not COME WITH Windows XP; it merely allows one's Windows XP to survive, on the machine, untouched.
As mentioned in the 'Preface' above, I chose to install Joli OS to my netbook using the Windows Installer, versus installing it to my netbook via the USB ISO file. For the required steps, see http://help.jolicloud.com/entries/230291-how-do-i-install-joli-os-while-keeping-windows .
The above link refers to 'Joli OS Express', which is the Windows installer (Joli-OS-Installer.exe) found at the downloads link. The quick steps for doing that can be found at http://help.jolicloud.com/entries/230291#download-jolicloud-express .
=== My Netbook Experience ===
As previously stated, I chose to run Joli OS from a file-based partition -- a virtual partition, if you will -- housed within my existing NTFS file system. To accomplish this I simply ran the Joli-OS-Installer.exe file, allowed it to create a 50GB partition file, determined a PC login name and password,* and allowed the device to restart.
==
I found the above struck-through methodology to be an incorrect approach. The result of that procedure was the creation of an administrator-level user that had NTFS-level administrator access to the entire PC. I.e., that user could browse to any folder, on the system, including all the Windows users' documents folders, etc. Thus, an alternate, safe approach is to have the users utilize the Joli OS's "Guest" account, which will offer the user the ability to login to their Jolicloud address. Using the guest login, the user can still modify their data, online (in the cloud), but no files will be saved to the local device.
I had hoped that the Joli OS' "Guest" login would take the guest to a generic app page, where the user could utilize each app, as needed (such as Gmail), logging in as necessary. Unfortunately, Joli OS is married to Jolicloud (online Desktop), making the utility, of Joli OS, as a general kiosk solution, for my old dumpy family PC, far less useful. It will require each family member to have her own Jolicloud account/profile. While this is fine, and something I can set up for them, it is not likely any house guests will have such an account. I will check the forums, for possible solutions, and update this blog entry with my thoughts as I learn more.
Summary: I erred in having defined my goal. My goal was to create a general kiosk, usable by anyone, allowing them to connect to any web app they chose -- even just a web browser if they so chose -- and relying on them to authenticate to their own web resources via any given app. This was achieved, but only if the guest user has an existing Jolicloud account or is willing to create one on the fly. Thus, Joli OS is not a tenable solution for a public-access kiosk, at least based on what I have learned so far (three hours into my Joli life).
My post, to the Joli OS 1.2 Feature list Facebook page, in response to my above experience:
Dan Reams: I installed the latest Joli OS, and it's neat. However, the Guest mode requires the guest to have a Jolicloud account. If they do not have one, they cannot be passed through to a generic guest Jolicloud dashboard. Instead, their only two options are to sign in or sign up. Such users cannot even use a web browser without signing in. This makes the concept of "loan the PC to a friend" only useful if one's friend has a Jolicloud account or is willing to create one on the fly.
Don't get me wrong; I'm still a fan. I understand Joli wanting to direct people to create accounts, to be exposed to Joli content. I also realize that doing so is especially simple if the guest allows Jolicloud to link to their Facebook accounts. My point is simply that the use of a guest account should be understood to be defined as "allowing a Jolicloud user to use this device without user data being permanently stored on the device," versus "allow a friend to easily access the Internet."
My full experience can be found here: http://tinyurl.com/437wjn3
==
After the restart the installer continued its work, installing Joli OS, providing a progress bar and various tips and tricks screens to keep me occupied. I ignored these screens, preferring to write this document. After a ten minute installation process, the netbook rebooted and notified me that I would need to connect to a network to continue, advising me to click the network connectivity icon. I did so, saw my home network, logged into it*, and was ready to go. In the Joli OS login screen, I was prompted to log in to my online Jolicloud account. I did so, and was then staring at my online account. I quickly configured my Google Mail and Google Docs, and was then ready to explore.
*I opted NOT to save my Joli OS Desktop login information, so that only I would have access to my data. Any other users of the OS can then proceed to access their data via their own online credentials.
I then logged out (via the Power Button icon), held my breath, and was greeted with the standard Windows boot options menu (Yay!), offering me both Joli OS and Windows XP. I was able to launch XP just fine.
Synopsis: A pleasurable experience, both in installation and usage. Since the online desktop interface applies to anywhere I log in to Joli Desktop, I can add and configure my apps, from the comfort of my home PC, and use them on my netbook later, without having to configure them VIA the netbook. My total time spent, from getting up and making coffee, downloading and installing the OS, and writing this entire document, was exactly two hours. Granted, I was using two PC's, but still...not too shabby. If you follow the instructions you can be up and running in about 15 minutes, I'd guess.
==== OS Installation to a Hard Drive ====
This is a fantastic refit for your old, retired and under-the-stairs box that you've always been meaning to strip for parts, or wipe its HD of sensitive data, but just haven't gotten around to doing yet. Quickly make a Internet kiosk that your guests can access...without screwing up your main PC or otherwise allowing them access to your personal data devices.
Follow the steps at http://help.jolicloud.com/entries/230978-how-do-i-make-joli-os-my-only-operating-system to make this happen.
NOTE: This method also allows one to install the OS, to a separate PARITION, on the hard drive, keeping your other OS intact.
In summary, you will need to download the ISO file, the USB Creator application (for Windows, Mac, or Linux), create a USB key, and set up the device.
HINT: If you want to see what this will eventually look like, use the USB method with 'Try Joli OS without installing', which will let you run Joli OS from the USB drive, without installing anything to your device.
===== Downloads =====
Official http://www.jolicloud.com/download
Both the "Keep Windows" (multi-OS) and ISO (disc image) packages
===== Support =====
Official Support http://www.jolicloud.com/support
Includes various installation options
===== Information =====
Official http://www.jolicloud.com/product
Official Blog http://www.jolicloud.com/blog/
Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joli_OS
20 August, 2011
Dell Latitude E6520 Notebook - Unable to Disable Tap-to-Click on Touchpad - Solved
My Dell Latitude E6520 (Windows7) did not have an option for me to disable 'Tap-to-click' on the Touchpad. The available options under the general mouse keypad had no such option included. I had seen similar issues, with other Dell laptop models, and in those cases a BIOS update had sometimes been called for, but in most cases that was like hitting a nail with a sledgehammer, so I figured there was probably an easier way to proceed, and there was.
1) I went to http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/driverslist.aspx?c=us&cs=28&l=en&s=dfb&ServiceTag=&SystemID=LAT_E6520&os=W764&osl=en&catid=&impid= and downloaded and installed the DELL_MULTI-TOUCH-TOUCHPAD driver for Windows7 64-bit.
2) After restarting, the Dell Touchpadicon showed up, in my system tray, but it would not work without the .NET framework installed.
3) I went to Microsoft, got the latest v4 of .NET (client side), and installed it.
3) The Dell Touchpad control now functions and I was able to disable tap-to-click easily.
The addition of the 'Dell Touchpad' tab after installing the Dell update and .NET:
04 August, 2011
Thunderbird Tip - F and B Keys for True Forward and Backward
Thunderbird, for some reason I don't understand, has no implementation of true Forward and Backward buttons. The buttons they have only go to the next or previous UNREAD messages. There are few to no add-on buttons for that either, for the current v5.0 version of Thunderbird.
Instead of dealing with shoe-horning a v3 version of buttons into v5, I simply use the F (for forward) and B (for backward) buttons, while reading messages. This works great and keeps the desktop clutter, and multiple clickings, to a minimum.
Instead of dealing with shoe-horning a v3 version of buttons into v5, I simply use the F (for forward) and B (for backward) buttons, while reading messages. This works great and keeps the desktop clutter, and multiple clickings, to a minimum.
13 July, 2011
Amazon - 5 GB of free Cloud Space to Registered Users
Browsing on Amazon this morning I noticed they now offer 5 GB of free cloud storage space to their registered users. Kind of neat. Although its scarcely larger than my smallest USB flash drive, it's...free. It's probably not a bad option for storing important files, in an encrypted container (see my 'TrueCrypt' posts elsewhere on this blog), just as a backup.
12 July, 2011
LogMeIn - Free VPN for Non-Commercial Use
https://secure.logmein.com/ offers a free VPN solution where one can set up one’s own virtual networks. This means one can link devices, on the Internet, as if they are on the same LAN.
LogMeIn allows one to invite others, to the VPN, and have those connections expire after a certain amount of time, or remain permanent (until kicked off or the VPN is taken down).
For gaming, this means games like ‘Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter 2’ should be able to see LAN servers, on the same VPN, as if they were on the same network. This should allow players to bypass GameSpy and connect via the old fashioned LAN server option, in -game, just like was possible in older games (where one could type-in the IP address of the game server).
It is worth checking this out.
[Thanks to Marc C. for pointing this out!]
LogMeIn allows one to invite others, to the VPN, and have those connections expire after a certain amount of time, or remain permanent (until kicked off or the VPN is taken down).
For gaming, this means games like ‘Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter 2’ should be able to see LAN servers, on the same VPN, as if they were on the same network. This should allow players to bypass GameSpy and connect via the old fashioned LAN server option, in -game, just like was possible in older games (where one could type-in the IP address of the game server).
It is worth checking this out.
[Thanks to Marc C. for pointing this out!]
06 July, 2011
MozBackup - A Free tool to backup and restore your Firefox and Thunderbird settings
I recently decided to use Thunderbird, on multiple PC's, in IMAP mode (versus POP). To facilitate the ease of duplicating my Thunderbird and Firefox set up's, on multiple PC's, I backed up the settings, using MozBackup (http://mozbackup.jasnapaka.com/), and then restored the settings to the other PC's.
Note you can simply use this tool to back up your settings, in case of an emergency. I back mine up to an external drive, for the day when (not "if") my hard drive crashes.
Make sure you are running the same versions of Thunderbird and Firefox on each PC to ensure compatibility among your instances.
UPDATE (2011/08/05): I have successfully used MozBackup across Thunderbird and Firefox versions, and it works great. At least as of Thunderbird 5 and Firefox 5, MozBackup works fine going back to at least version 3 of each of the two applications.
Note you can simply use this tool to back up your settings, in case of an emergency. I back mine up to an external drive, for the day when (not "if") my hard drive crashes.
Make sure you are running the same versions of Thunderbird and Firefox on each PC to ensure compatibility among your instances.
UPDATE (2011/08/05): I have successfully used MozBackup across Thunderbird and Firefox versions, and it works great. At least as of Thunderbird 5 and Firefox 5, MozBackup works fine going back to at least version 3 of each of the two applications.
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