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This page provides some basic information about NCF email, how it works and how to configure it.
This page provides some basic information about NCF email, how it works and how to configure it.
For infomation on using the Zimbra webmail system, please see [[Zimbra]].


== Sending and receiving email ==
== Sending and receiving email ==
Line 15: Line 17:


;Using NCF WebMail (browser-based)
;Using NCF WebMail (browser-based)
:All you need to use WebMail is a web browser connected to the internet (eg., home, office, library, internet cafe, anywhere in the world via internet). No set-up is required. You read and send mail from the browser and your mail is stored on an NCF computer. With WebMail, your email stays on the computers at NCF and is backed up there too to protect against loss.
:All you need to use WebMail is a web browser connected to the internet (eg., home, office, library, internet cafe, anywhere in the world via internet). No set-up is required. You read and send mail from the browser using the [[Zimbra]] interface and your mail is stored on an NCF computer. With WebMail, your email stays on the computers at NCF and is backed up there, too, to protect against loss.


:A disadvantage of using WebMail is that you have to stay connected to the internet while you are reading and composing your email.
:A disadvantage of using WebMail is that you have to stay connected to the internet while you are reading and composing your email.


;Using an email client (in your personal computer)
;Using an email client (on your personal computer)
:Email client software allows your email to be transferred to your computer and then read there. The size of your mail archive can be as large as your disk.
:Email client software allows your email to be transferred to your computer and then read there. The size of your mail archive can be as large as your hard drive.
 
:A disadvantage is that your mail is only accessible while you are at your own computer.
:A disadvantage is that your mail is only accessible while you are at your own computer.


Line 27: Line 30:
=== Maximum Message Size ===
=== Maximum Message Size ===


The NCF mail system currently allows for messages as large as 20MB to be received.  Files sent by email however, are larger in transit as they must be encoded for transport. You may expect the largest size of file you can therefore safely receive to be about 15MB.
The NCF mail system currently allows for messages as large as 45MB to be received.  Files sent by email however, are larger in transit as they must be encoded for transport. You may expect the largest size of file you can therefore safely receive to be about 40MB.


If you wish to send larger files, however, there is a better way. There is a new mail system at NCF that is being deployed, called [http://www.ncf.ca/ncf/home/zimbra.jsp Zimbra]. With Zimbra, there is a feature called 'Briefcase', which allows for file storage and sharing. You can upload a file into your Briefcase and then share that file with any number of recipients without any of the limitations inherent in sending messages in encoded email messages.
If you wish to send larger files, however, there is a better way. The email system at NCF is called [[Zimbra]], which includes a feature called the 'Briefcase', which allows for file storage and sharing. You can upload a file into your Briefcase and then share that file with any number of recipients without any of the limitations inherent in sending messages in encoded email messages.


== NCF Webmail ==
== NCF Webmail ==
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You can try WebMail by going to the [http://start.ncf.ca StartPage] and clicking on 'Get your NCF WebMail'. There is nothing to install on your computer.
You can try WebMail by going to the [http://start.ncf.ca StartPage] and clicking on 'Get your NCF WebMail'. There is nothing to install on your computer.


Up to 200 MB of email can be accumulated and stored in your WebMail Inbox and folders, as of spring 2012. NCF's storage capacity increases regularly as facilities are upgraded.
Up to 1000 MB of email can be accumulated and stored in your WebMail Inbox and folders, as of early 2017. NCF's storage capacity increases regularly as facilities are upgraded.
 
The NCF Webmail system runs the [[Zimbra]] mail system.  For an overview of the benefits of Zimbra, please visit the [http://www.ncf.ca/ncf/home/zimbraIntro.jsp Introducing Zimbra] page.


The NCF Webmail system was upgraded to a new server running the Zimbra mail system.  For an overview of the benefits of Zimbra, please visit the [http://www.ncf.ca/ncf/home/zimbraIntro.jsp Introducing Zimbra] page.
For specific and detailed help on all things Zimbra, visit the [[Zimbra]] Help Page.


== Mail readers (mail clients) ==
== Mail readers (mail clients) ==


Some common current mail readers, all free of charge, are:
Some common current mail readers, all available for download free of charge, are:


* [http://www.eudora.com/ Eudora]
* [http://mail.live.com Microsoft Windows Live Mail]
* [http://mail.live.com Microsoft Windows Live Mail]
* [http://www.mozilla.org/products/thunderbird/ Mozilla Thunderbird]
* [https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/thunderbird/ Mozilla Thunderbird]
* [http://www.pmail.com/ Pegasus]
* [http://www.pmail.com/ Pegasus]


If you do not have a mail reader, you can download a copy from free from the developer's website. Once it is installed on your computer, you need to configure it so it knows from where to retrieve/send your email.
If you do not have a mail reader, you can download one for free. Once it is installed on your computer, you need to configure it so it knows from where to retrieve/send your email.


'''Notes:'''
'''Notes:'''
*''Microsoft Outlook Express'' is very outdated, has serious security problems, is no longer supported by Microsoft and is not recommended by NCF. See [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outlook_Express this article] for more detail on why you should replace it.
*Microsoft Outlook Express is very outdated, has serious security problems, is no longer supported by Microsoft and is not recommended by NCF. See [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outlook_Express this article] for more detail on why you should replace it.
*''Microsoft Outlook'' is commercial software and comes with ''Microsoft Office''.
*Microsoft Outlook is commercial software and comes with ''Microsoft Office''.


=== Setting up a mail reader ===
=== Setting up a mail reader ===
Line 61: Line 65:


Step-by-step instruction for popular mail readers:
Step-by-step instruction for popular mail readers:
* [[IPhone|iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch]]
* [http://www.ncf.ca/ncf/support/android/ Android Devices (eg. Google Nexus One, Motorola Milestone, or HTC Hero)]
* [http://www.ncf.ca/ncf/support/android/ Android Devices (eg. Google Nexus One, Motorola Milestone, or HTC Hero)]
* [[Apple Mail|Apple Mail (2011)]]
* [[BlackBerry 10]]
* [[PlayBook|Blackberry PlayBook]]
* [http://www.ncf.ca/ncf/support/evolution.html Evolution Mail and Calendar]
* [http://www.ncf.ca/ncf/support/evolution.html Evolution Mail and Calendar]
* [http://www.ncf.ca/ncf/support/iphone/ iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch]
* [http://web.ncf.ca/aw958/mail_help_files/outlook_2003_setup/outlook_2003.html Microsoft Outlook 2003]
* [[Microsoft Outlook 2010]]
* [[Microsoft Outlook 2016]]
* [http://www.ncf.ca/ncf/support/mail_thunderbird3.html Mozilla Thunderbird]
* [http://www.ncf.ca/ncf/support/mail_thunderbird3.html Mozilla Thunderbird]
* [http://www.ncf.ca/ncf/support/windowsLiveMail.html Windows Live Mail]
* [http://www.ncf.ca/ncf/support/windowsLiveMail.html Windows Live Mail]
* [http://web.ncf.ca/aw958/mail_help_files/zimbra/index.html Zimbra Desktop email client] by Graeme Beckett, NCF


Step-by-step instructions for older mail readers, still in use on some systems:
Step-by-step instructions for older mail readers, still in use on some systems:
* [http://www.ncf.ca/ncf/support/applemail.html Apple Mail]
* [http://web.ncf.ca/glennj/ncf/bookshelf/appleMail/index.shtml Apple Mail (2006)]
* [http://www.ncf.ca/ncf/support/eudora.html Eudora Mail]
* [http://www.ncf.ca/ncf/support/eudora.html Eudora Mail]
* [http://www.ncf.ca/ncf/support/outlook.html Microsoft Outlook Express]
* [http://www.ncf.ca/ncf/support/outlook.html Microsoft Outlook Express]
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* [http://www.ncf.ca/ncf/support/ns71.html Netscape Mail]
* [http://www.ncf.ca/ncf/support/ns71.html Netscape Mail]
* [http://www.ncf.ca/ncf/support/pegasusMail.html Pegasus Mail]
* [http://www.ncf.ca/ncf/support/pegasusMail.html Pegasus Mail]
* [[Windows Mail]]
For information on whether you should set up your reader for POP or IMAP see [http://www.ncf.ca/ncf/support/pop_imap.html What's the difference between POP and IMAP?].
Keep in mind if you use an email client that it will not retrieve your yellow mail that the spam filter saves there for you.


=== I can receive email, but I can't send! (Relay Access Denied) ===
=== I can receive email, but I can't send! (Relay Access Denied) ===
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Regardless of how you read your mail, you can use NCF's SpamFilter if you have problems with spam.
Regardless of how you read your mail, you can use NCF's SpamFilter if you have problems with spam.


You can view or change your SpamFilter settings by going to the [http://start.ncf.ca StartPage], and clicking on [http://www.ncf.ca/ncf/home/spamfilter/index.jsp SpamFilter set-up] under 'Email' in the left column.
You can view or change your SpamFilter settings by going to the [http://start.ncf.ca StartPage], and clicking on [http://www.ncf.ca/ncf/home/spamfilter/index.jsp SpamFilter set-up] under 'Email' in the left column. There is information on that page about how SpamFilter works and [http://www.ncf.ca/ncf/support/faqMaker.jsp?faq=2 Frequently Asked Questions] on customizing SpamFilter.
 
There is information on that page about how SpamFilter works and [http://www.ncf.ca/ncf/support/faqMaker.jsp?faq=2 Frequently Asked Questions] on customizing SpamFilter.
 
== Zimbra ==
Zimbra is a free, open source software webmail system that was extensivley tested at NCF in 2011 and rolled out as NCF's new e-mail system in February, 2012. Zimbra replaced the old "Messenger Express" interface which was becoming unsupportable and also which did not support modern mobile devices, such as smart phones and tablets very well. The Zimbra mail system provides many features not previously available at NCF. For a brief rundown of some of those features, visit the [http://www.ncf.ca/ncf/home/zimbraIntro.jsp Introduction to Zimbra] page.
 
=== Zimbra Web Client ===
 
The Zimbra Web Client can be accessed by clicking on [http://www.ncf.ca/ncf/home/zimbra.jsp Get Your NCF Webmail] on the [http://start.ncf.ca/ NCF Startpage].
 
The standard webmail features are all there - read, reply, and compose email, and manage addresses. However, Zimbra has much more to offer.
 
There are three versions of Zimbra:
 
*Standard - for users with slow connections such as dial-up (no spell-checking)
*Advanced - for users with highspeed (with spell-checking)
*Mobile - for phones, tablets and other mobile devices using 3G and other phone networks for connection
 
You can select between standard and advanced versions at Zimbra Preferences→General→Login Options.
 
Users with slow connections, using the standard version of Zimbra, who desire spell checking should use a browser that provides spell checking, such as [https://www.google.com/chrome/ Google Chrome], [http://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/ Mozilla Firefox] or basically any modern browser except Microsoft Internet Explorer.
 
==== Adding Calendars ====
 
By default, your Zimbra account has a single calendar, named "Calendar".  You might want to add some basic things, like Canadian or US holidays, or maybe you have a Google calendar you'd like to view.
 
For step-by-step instructions on adding calendars, visit:
 
* [[Zimbra: Google Calendar]]
 
=== Contact and Calendar Sync ===
Zimbra provides CalDAV and CardDAV services for 2-way synchronization of Contacts and Calendards.  This allows you to benefit from network-accessible calendars viewable in the Zimbra web client while still using your favourite native clients.
 
Examples of clients that support CalDAV (for calendar sync):
* Mozilla Thunderbird (with the Lightning calender extension)
* Mozilla Sunbird
* Apple iCal
* Apple iPhone, iPad, iPod
* Evolution
 
Unfortunately, Microsoft Outlook does not include support for CalDAV.  Windows users will need to use a specialized calendar app (eg. Mozilla Sunbird), or consider switching to Mozilla Thunderbird.
 
Examples of clients that support CardDAV (for contacts sync):
* Mozilla Thunderbird (w/Zindus extension)
* Apple Address Book
* Apple iPhone, iPad, iPod
* Evolution
 
==== Client Configuration ====
Generally, the details are as follows.
 
CardDAV URL: <pre>https://mail.ncf.ca/dav/ab123@ncf.ca/Contacts</pre>
 
CalDAV URL: <pre>https://mail.ncf.ca/dav/ab123@ncf.ca/Calendar</pre>
 
Note that the final bit of the URL is important, it denotes the name of the Contact or Calendar folder.  If you have a Contact folder named "Work", the URL would be:
 
<pre>https://mail.ncf.ca/dav/ab123@ncf.ca/Work</pre>
 
If you have a Calendar named "Soccer Practice", the URL would be:
 
<pre>https://mail.ncf.ca/dav/ab123@ncf.ca/Soccer Practice</pre>
 
==== Step-by-step Instructions ====
 
* [[Zimbra: Thunderbird Contacts]]
* [[Zimbra: Thunderbird Calendar]]
 
=== Using Zimbra ===
====Adding addresses to a message====
In Zimbra addresses can be added ti an outgoing e-mail message by typing the in manually or by clicking on "To", "CC" or "Show BCC" and then "BCC", which opens your address list and allows selecting the addresses.
 
====Adding groups of addresses to a message====
Adding a group of contacts to an email is easy in Zimbra. First create a contact group, by going to Address Book&rarr;Emailed Contacts (or Contacts) and then select New&rarr;down arrow&rarr;Contact Group and complete the form to select members and name for your group. When composing an email you may now select the group as if it were a single address, by clicking "To", "CC" or "BCC" in the email.
 
====Saving and sending drafts====
Zimbra allows saving partially completed emails so you can work on them and send them later. When you are ready to save, just click "Save Draft". When you want to work on the email again select the "Drafts" folder, double click on the email and it will open for editing. When you are ready to send it just click "Send", or "Save Draft" again to continue working on it later.
 
====Using aliases====
Zimbra allows a registered [[Email Alias]]. When composing a message simply click the down arrow under "from" and select which address Zimbra should shows the message as coming from.
 
====Changing your "from" name used in outgoing e-mail====
Zimbra allows changing who the e-mail is from, so you can show only your first name, last name or any other text you like. To select this in Zimbra just go to Preferences&rarr;Accounts&rarr; Primary Account Settings and enter your preferred text.
 
====Deleting contacts====
To delete contacts in Zimbra just go to Address Book&rarr;Emailed Contacts (or Contacts)&rarr; right click on the desired email address and select "delete".
 
====Searching for unread messages====
Zimbra makes it easy to list your unread messages. In the Zimbra mail search box enter "in:inbox is:unread" and this will show all unread messages in your inbox.
 
You can also click on 'Save' to save the search, and call it "Inbox Unread". Next time you want this search view, I just click on "Inbox Unread" under saved searches.
 
==== I can't find my messages, or I can't see the message size! ====
 
Zimbra by default groups messages into conversations, just like Google's Gmail does. This is called "By Conversation" and can be confusing to people who have not used this before. In some cases, you won't see as much detail for each message.
 
If you are having trouble, try changing the view to "By Message". 


Standard Client:
There is also [https://youtu.be/PWEibPkXCS0 a short video on setting SpamFilter options].
[[File:Group by.png]]


Advanced Client:
==Yellow Mail==
[[File:View mode.png]]
NCF provides a facility to screen mail items that your SPAM fileter settings have found questionable before the mail enters your Zimbra inbox. This is called yellow mail. You can see a short video [[https://youtu.be/3rqLbGhvA8w here]] on how to use it.


====Spam handling====
==See also==
The current NCF implementation of Zimbra has the spam control disabled so that email messages will not be delivered to Junk folders, or otherwise blocked when sent through from yellowmail.
*[[Alternate email address]]
*[[Email Alias]]
*[[Email blacklisting]]
*[[Email spoofing]]
*[[Tips (Email)|Email tips]]
*[[Zimbra]] - for help on the Zimbra webmail system


===See also===
*[[Zimbra]] - for a list of all articles about Zimbra


[[Category: Email]]
[[Category: Email]]

Revision as of 10:23, 21 March 2018

This page provides some basic information about NCF email, how it works and how to configure it.

For infomation on using the Zimbra webmail system, please see Zimbra.

Sending and receiving email

Email Quick Configuration Info

Mail server:mail.ncf.ca
Username:(your NCF ID, eg., ab123)
Password:(your NCF account password)
Incoming mail:
IMAP Port:(SSL) Port 993
POP-3 Port:(SSL) Port 995
Outgoing mail:
Submission: (TLS and starttls) Port 587
SMTPS: (SSL-legacy) Port 465

General information

NCF provides every member with a personal email address. NCF email addresses are simply a member's account ID (eg., 'ab123') followed by '@ncf.ca', for example, 'ab123@ncf.ca'.

Optionally, you can arrange for an email alias, for example, 'jsmith@ncf.ca'.

Important: If you already have an email address and do not plan to use your NCF email address, be sure to tell us, using Change Preferences at the bottom-right of the StartPage. NCF needs to be able to reach you about your account.

Receiving mail

Incoming email for you is stored on NCF's computer until you ask for it. There are two ways to receive email:

Using NCF WebMail (browser-based)
All you need to use WebMail is a web browser connected to the internet (eg., home, office, library, internet cafe, anywhere in the world via internet). No set-up is required. You read and send mail from the browser using the Zimbra interface and your mail is stored on an NCF computer. With WebMail, your email stays on the computers at NCF and is backed up there, too, to protect against loss.
A disadvantage of using WebMail is that you have to stay connected to the internet while you are reading and composing your email.
Using an email client (on your personal computer)
Email client software allows your email to be transferred to your computer and then read there. The size of your mail archive can be as large as your hard drive.
A disadvantage is that your mail is only accessible while you are at your own computer.

In the past personal computer-based mail clients were dominant, but in recent years the trend has been away from mail clients and towards server-based webmail, because of the convenience of being able to access the mail from any browser anywhere, even from phones and hand-held devices, as well as automatic back-ups.

Maximum Message Size

The NCF mail system currently allows for messages as large as 45MB to be received. Files sent by email however, are larger in transit as they must be encoded for transport. You may expect the largest size of file you can therefore safely receive to be about 40MB.

If you wish to send larger files, however, there is a better way. The email system at NCF is called Zimbra, which includes a feature called the 'Briefcase', which allows for file storage and sharing. You can upload a file into your Briefcase and then share that file with any number of recipients without any of the limitations inherent in sending messages in encoded email messages.

NCF Webmail

NCF Webmail allows you to compose, send, receive and manage your email using any browser. It is the easiest way to send and receive email while you are away from home. Your mail stays on the NCF's mail server. To use it all you need is a web browser and connection to the Internet.

You can try WebMail by going to the StartPage and clicking on 'Get your NCF WebMail'. There is nothing to install on your computer.

Up to 1000 MB of email can be accumulated and stored in your WebMail Inbox and folders, as of early 2017. NCF's storage capacity increases regularly as facilities are upgraded.

The NCF Webmail system runs the Zimbra mail system. For an overview of the benefits of Zimbra, please visit the Introducing Zimbra page.

For specific and detailed help on all things Zimbra, visit the Zimbra Help Page.

Mail readers (mail clients)

Some common current mail readers, all available for download free of charge, are:

If you do not have a mail reader, you can download one for free. Once it is installed on your computer, you need to configure it so it knows from where to retrieve/send your email.

Notes:

  • Microsoft Outlook Express is very outdated, has serious security problems, is no longer supported by Microsoft and is not recommended by NCF. See this article for more detail on why you should replace it.
  • Microsoft Outlook is commercial software and comes with Microsoft Office.

Setting up a mail reader

Modern mail readers are pretty easy to set up. Typically you just need some of the information in the 'Quick Facts' box above.

For step by step instructions, click on your mail reader below:

Step-by-step instruction for popular mail readers:

Step-by-step instructions for older mail readers, still in use on some systems:

For information on whether you should set up your reader for POP or IMAP see What's the difference between POP and IMAP?.

Keep in mind if you use an email client that it will not retrieve your yellow mail that the spam filter saves there for you.

I can receive email, but I can't send! (Relay Access Denied)

If your mail account appears to be setup correctly, but you are having trouble sending, it could be that you don't have SSL and authentication enabled.

Step-by-step instructions to update or confirm that your account is correctly configured for SSL and authentication:

Customizing SpamFilter

Regardless of how you read your mail, you can use NCF's SpamFilter if you have problems with spam.

You can view or change your SpamFilter settings by going to the StartPage, and clicking on SpamFilter set-up under 'Email' in the left column. There is information on that page about how SpamFilter works and Frequently Asked Questions on customizing SpamFilter.

There is also a short video on setting SpamFilter options.

Yellow Mail

NCF provides a facility to screen mail items that your SPAM fileter settings have found questionable before the mail enters your Zimbra inbox. This is called yellow mail. You can see a short video [here] on how to use it.

See also