Configuring e-mail
There are many different e-mail clients, and I will deal with only two - Outlook express, and Outlook from MSOffice2003. The themes are very similar and you can apply the same knowlegde to the configuration of any e-mail client you choose. You can also use web-based e-mail accounts which don't need any special configuration, other than remembering your username and password, and you can use them from any computer that has an internet connection. Examples include Google Mail, Inbox.com, Fast Mail, Yahoo Mail, Aim Mail and Hot Pop. This list isn't exhaustive and there are many others to choose from with varying features. You might be offered a free web-based account with your ISP (Internet Service Provider).
Gather information
The first step to configuring and e-mail client is to gather some information first. In order for your e-mail program to connect to the right mail server, it will need to know where to connect and which account and password to use. You will want to know the SMTP address (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol), the POP3 address (Post-Office Protocol 3) and the username and password for your account. This information is provided for you by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Some accounts may use an HTTP address (Hotmail), or an IMAP address.
| Common e-mail server addresses | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ISP/Server Name | POP3 | SMTP | IMAP | HTTP |
| Hotmail | mail.hotmail.com | mail.hotmail.com | ||
| BlueYonder | pop3.blueyonder.co.uk | smtp.blueyonder.co.uk | ||
| BTClick | mail.btinternet.com | smtp.btclick.com | ||
| BT.Com | mail.btinternet.com | smtp.btinternet.com | ||
| BT Connect | pop3.btinternet.com | mail.btinternet.com | ||
| BT Internet | mail.btinternet.com | mail.btinternet.com | ||
| Cableinet | pop3.blueyonder.co.uk | smtp.blueyonder.co.uk | ||
| CWCom | pop.ntlworld.com | smtp.ntlworld.com | ||
| Demon | pop3.demon.co.uk | post.demon.co.uk | ||
| Direct Connection | popmail.dircon.co.uk | |||
| Freeserve | pop.freeserve.co.uk | smtp.freeserve.co.uk | ||
| Freeserve | pop.freeserve.net | smtp.freeserve.net | ||
| FSnet | pop.freeserve.co.uk | |||
| Genie | mail.genie.co.uk | |||
| ic24 | pop3.ic24.net | |||
| Lycos | pop.lycos.co.uk | |||
| Madasafish | pop.madasafish.com | |||
| Netscapeonline | pophost1.netscapeonline.co.uk | |||
| Netscapeonline | pophost2.netscapeonline.co.uk | |||
| NTLWorld | pop.ntlworld.com | |||
| Plusnet | mail.plus.net | relay.plus.net | ||
| Purplenet | pop3.purplenet.co.uk | |||
| Supanet | pop.supanet.com | |||
| Tesconet | mail.tesco.net | |||
| UKGateway | pop.ukgateway.net | |||
| Yahoo! (Premium Service) | pop.mail.yahoo.com | smtp.mail.yahoo.com |
Configuring Outlook Express
Configuring Outlook Express (the default mail client for Windows XP, ME, and 9x) is a straightforward four step process.
Step One
No tricks here, simply enter your name. This is what appears in the "From" box when you send e-mail.
Step Two
You'll have to check with your ISP but normally this comes in the format [any name]@[ISP name].com (the square brackets denote where you add the information). So for btinternet it would be [a name]@btinternet.com. You can normally use any name at all, but check that the suffix is correct.
Step Three
This is where you add the e-mail server names. The pull down box at the top allows you to select the type of server - usually POP3, but it alose allows you to select IMAP or HTTP. POP3 is the default setting. The example uses the adresses of Plusnet's mail servers. One address is used for sending e-mail, the other for recieving e-mail. Consult the table at the top of the page to find the internet address of your mail servers. If they arn't listed here you'll have to find them from your ISP's website.
Step Four
Finally, input your Account Name (this is usually the username for your ISP), and your password (this is the password for your ISP, which you have either chosen or has been given to you. Again, if you are unsure, check with your ISP.
And Finally
If you need to configure outlook express for another mail service, or have changed ISP, you can change the account information using the "Tools" option at the top of OE, and selecting "Accounts". Selecting "add" in the new menu will start the wizard.
If you use Microsoft "outlook" - one of the packages in the Microsoft Office suite you will find a similar "wizard" under "Tools" then "e-mail accounts". Select "view or change...", then "add". Select the mail server type, then on the next page you input all the data in one window - mail adress, server information and login information.
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