Business needs and Google services
Currently setting up my desktop for business use and decided that i’d make as much use of Google’s free online services as possible (Mail, Drive, Calendar).
Web or desktop apps?
I usually do everything via web, but am looking for a company solution as well, which will mean that I can use Linux desktops with access to Gmail, Gcalendar by simply creating a company related email address.
What do you need?
Ok, so first you need to install Mozilla Thunderbird as the email application. Available in all repos (Icedove in Debian).
Addons
The first add-on is “Lightning” calendar.
http://www.mozilla.org/projects/calendar
Then “Provider for Google Calendar” to be able to synch with your Calendar
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/thunderbird/addon/provider-for-google-calendar/
These can both be install inside of Thunderbird via its built-in “Addon-Manager”
Setting up your Calender Synch
Now just restart Thunderbird for the add-ons to be activated. Then add you just need a few simple steps.
1. Open your Google Calendar in your browser
2. Click on the Settings link located in the box at the right of the page.
3. Click on the calendar you want to use with Thunderbird Lightning or Sunbird.
4. Click on XML button shown at the bottom which says “Private”.
5. Copy that link
Now in your Thunderbird Lightning Calendar, click “Add Calendar”, Choose “Network Calendar”, then paste that xml URL as the destination.
All done! You now have bi-directional functionality with your Google Calendar.
Debmintux 