These days I find that I prefer top posting to bottom posting. It makes threads
easier to read. Back in the days before threaded newsreaders I admit it was easier
to read a post when the reply was at the bottom.

I am bottom posting for all your preferences.
I hardly consider myself as a 'newbie' since I have
been using computer comms for 25 years. Started on bulletin boards and
packet radio with a Kaypro4 under CP/M and an external 300baud modem
using dialup. Who remembers YAPP and YAM these days?
I am presently using Thunderbird and Firefox as Mozilla now has
difficulties with some newer sites. Pity, as I am still not convinced
that 2 programs are better then one.
I have set replies to top posting since nearly all my correspondence is
personal mail and the recipient knows full well what he has sent.
No sense in boiling your cabbages twice.
If my reader showed mail from the bottom up, bottom posting might make
more sense. Naturally I set the reader to 'threads with new posts'.
If you have a suggestion of a better reader then tell me, but I don't
promise to use it, but will check it out. Forget Linux - I have found
it seems like a solution looking for a problem. IE is out for me, too.
Think N1H1.
The sound/noise ratio of some threads is terrible - how much of this
thread is about the original poster's request for help with bulbs?
Less than 90%. Little wonder that the internet is starting to groan
under the load. Dropping the voltage to an incandescent bulb will
make it redder and in a green light that will cut emitted wattage
appreciably.
I await your reply with interest.
Murray VK4AOK - now there's a giveaway! :-)