I am not sure where you are getting your information, but I would assume 5 year old articles from the time Mozilla stopped developing Thunderbird. Thunderbird 0, perhaps the most updated version in years has just been released and there are plans for future versions. So I suppose we still recommend the mail client we as a community make.

'Thunderbird' is not being phased out nor is the support offered via this forum. Developers and updates, fixing of bugs etc is alive and kicking. But as they are separate from 'Mozilla', they do appreciate donations to maintain security etc etc  :)

System Requirements: https://www.thunderbird.net/en-US/thunderbird/60.0/system-requirements/

Current download from official webpage: https://www.thunderbird.net/en-US/thunderbird/all/

choose language and the download suitable for you OS.

Note: If you are still using Vista OS then you would need to download version 52.9.1 So ask if you need a link to it.

Jakka said

I am frustrated with Google mail and want to switch to another mail carrier.

Thunderbird is a stand-alone program for working with email, such as your Gmail folders, outside of a browser. Thunderbird is not a mail service and doesn't replace your existing or future email accounts. If you want to start an email account with a new service provider, that would be a separate project.

Thanks all!!!!!