Mozilla Thunderbird is the messaging client from the Mozilla Foundation. I used Netscape Messenger since my e-mail begin-times I am just used to its handling, features and look & feel. Because Thunderbird is a direct descendant of Netscape Messenger, it is still my favourite messaging client (well, professionally I like notes).

By default Thunderbird marks the original message only with “name wrote:” when replying. Personally I like it to have a timestamp in there as well, like “On date, Name wrote:”. This is quite easy to configure, just a little hidden in the Config Editor. For a more visual aid I provided a screenshot.

1. Go in the menu to “Menu → Settings”.
2. Navigate the dialog to “General → Config Editor” all the way at the bottom.
3. Filter on “reply_header_type” in the config editor.

Here you will find the preference name “mailnews.reply_header_type” which has an integer value. You can set it to three values:

• Set it to “1” (default) and you will get “Name wrote:”
• Set it to “2” as in my example and you will get “On date, name wrote:”
• Set it to “3” and you will get “Name wrote, On date:”

For more Information like calendaring and centralized address book please check the Independence of Google page.