Generic Configuration Information

Select an IMAP capable email program and create a new account (or modify the settings for an existing account). While the specifics of each client differ, the information to be specified is the same:

IMAP as the account type.
mail.rpi.edu as the IMAP server.
IMAP SSL if available.
If asked about authentication type specify ``PLAIN'' or ``PLAIN Password''.
mail.rpi.edu as the SMTP server (without SSL or SMTP-AUTH).
The ``User name'' or ``login'' is your rcsid (the part to the left of ``@'' in your email address.
Your email address is <login>@rpi.edu

Log in to the IMAP server. If you have email on the IMAP server (from Webmail, for example) it will now appear. Note: some clients require you subscribe or ``refresh'' the folder list. Others will show you all subscribed folders once you authenticate.

See the documentation for your email client for additional information.

Most IMAP clients offer an option to download entire messages, or just headers. Downloading the headers only will usually result in a faster startup. But, it introduced delays when reading a message for the first time as the body is downloaded. On a fast network this delay will be short. But, on a slow network it can introduce annoying delays while reading messages. On a very slow dialup, on the other hand, downloading just headers is usually preferable since large message download can tie up your machine---especially on startup. If you are on a slow network, try downloading headers only. If this introduces unacceptable delays opening a message, try downloading the entire message body (or, if offered, entire messages under a set size).

Some clients will also offer disconnected mode, which caches local copies of messages and then disconnect from the IMAP server, allowing you to work offline. If you are mobile, this setting should be enabled. Note: This mode is not always called "disconnected", and may instead by a pair of options: `Download full message,' and `Do not check email when disconnected from network,' or similar descriptions.

Some clients allow you to configure your Sent items, Draft items, and Trash folder names. Others do not, and some allow the name changes but don't make it easy. Webmail allows you to set the Sent and Trash folder names so it can be configured to work well with other IMAP clients. At this writing Webmail does not use a Draft folder, but it is expected a future release will both use a Draft folder and allow you to set the name of that folder.

If your client offers server-side message sorting us it. Server-side sorting, or SIEVE filters, sort messages on the server as they arrive---even when you are not logged into IMAP.

Last modified: October 13, 2006