IMAP at Fermilab
What is IMAP?
IMAP stands for the
Internet Message Access Protocol.
IMAP is a method of accessing electronic mail that is kept
on a mail server. It permits a "client" email program
to access remote message stores as if they were local.
For example, email stored on an IMAP server can be
manipulated from a desktop
computer at home, a workstation at the office, and a notebook computer while
traveling, without the need to transfer messages or files back and forth
between these computers.
More information is
available at the IMAP home page.
About the FNAL IMAPServers
The FNAL
IMAPServers are Windows NT based systems running the Netscape
Messaging Server software. These systems were designed for and
are dedicated to this service.
Email Clients
When you get your imap account, you will need to chose an email
client from which you will send and read your mail.
With over 100 different clients available it is impossible
to test them all in every possible combination. Given this,
members of the Computing
Division have evaluated common freeware clients for the
windows and unix platforms. For more information on email clients
(based on OS) and how to set your imap server setting:
Windows
Unix
Web Mail
The IMAPServers
also support web based access to the mail stored on the
IMAPServers. This is available at http://imapserverX.fnal.gov
where X is the number (1,2,3) of the IMAPServer that your mail is
on. For more web mail instructions, click here.
SSL encrypted web mail is also available.
Your Account
To request an IMAP account,
fill out the request form supplied by the Computing Division.
By default all accounts are created with a 50 Mb
quota. While this may seem like a large amount it would only take
a couple of large attachments to surpass this amount. Usage is
checked nightly and quotas can be raised by request. If you
exceed your quota anyone attempting to send you mail will get a
message that you cannot receive mail at that time. You will also
receive a message that you have exceeded your quota.
Remember that if you have your imap client moving messages to
the trash folder instead of deleting them (Netscape Messenger) or
hiding deleted messages (Outlook Express), the deleted messages
count against your quota.
Some of the information in your
imap account can be customized.
WinBiff is a Windows mail notification and filtering program.
Install Winbiff on
your PC.
Forwarding and the IMAP Servers
The software used for IMAP services does support forwarding of mail received on the IMAP server. However there are several problems with the service so the ability to set a new forward or change an existing forward off the IMAP servers has been disabled. More information is available.
Reported problems
A few
problems has been reported with certain clients. Check the FAQ
/ problem page before reporting any unusual behavior that you
may be experiencing with your IMAP client. Problems should be
reported to the helpdesk by sending mail to helpdesk@fnal.gov
or by calling extension 2345.
General hints
For best
performance try and keep as few as messages as possible in any
folder in which the contents change on a regular basis (like the
inbox).
|
