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simplified Thunderbird interface for older users

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  • Last reply by Wayne Mery

nickw
nickw
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Can anyone recommend a really simplified user interface add-on for Thunderbird suitable for an older user (my mum who is 85).

She happily used Outlook Express for some years, but an upgrade to Win 10 has removed this. She's struggling with the (messy and ad-laden) interface on the webmail provided by her email service provider (BT in the UK).

I've seen ultra simple third-party email progs, too, but wondered if there's a 'go-to' add-on (skin?) for TB that combines the reliability of the latter whilst removing a lot of stuff she doesn't need (and perhaps allowing for larger icons etc?

I've seen a couple of Outlook Express add-ons for TB in the support section - if there are any stand out Outlook Express look alikes (or just a simple UI) that would be very helpful to know.

Can anyone recommend a really simplified user interface add-on for Thunderbird suitable for an older user (my mum who is 85). She happily used Outlook Express for some years, but an upgrade to Win 10 has removed this. She's struggling with the (messy and ad-laden) interface on the webmail provided by her email service provider (BT in the UK). I've seen ultra simple third-party email progs, too, but wondered if there's a 'go-to' add-on (skin?) for TB that combines the reliability of the latter whilst removing a lot of stuff she doesn't need (and perhaps allowing for larger icons etc? I've seen a couple of Outlook Express add-ons for TB in the support section - if there are any stand out Outlook Express look alikes (or just a simple UI) that would be very helpful to know.

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Wayne Mery
Wayne Mery
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I'm not sure there is much out there to help you, based on what I see (or don't see) in https://www.google.com/search?num=20&safe=off&q=thunderbird+elderly+OR+%22seniors%22+configuration&oq=thunderbird+elderly+OR+%22seniors%22+configuration&gs_l=serp.3...478.8989.0.9650.26.21.4.0.0.0.277.1538.17j2j1.20.0....0...1c.1.64.serp..2.1.276...30i10k1.jRaTPrO5Ey0

One recommendation in that list is to try an application called the bat.

For Thunderbird perhaps much of what you are looking for is cited in https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=1019652 ?

nickw
nickw Question owner
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Thanks for taking the trouble to respond and for the helpful information.

Given the growing population of older users (as a proportion of the population), the opportunity for - and need of - simple and/or customisable interfaces is likely to be a growing need?

Wayne Mery
Wayne Mery
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nickw said

Given the growing population of older users (as a proportion of the population), the opportunity for - and need of - simple and/or customisable interfaces is likely to be a growing need?

Surely. But currently we are all overworked volunteers with no paid staff. So the ability work on specific projects is limited.

What specific changes are you looking for that are not mentioned in the bug reports I listed?