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@@ -0,0 +1,101 @@ +# Setting up your personal email account + +As a user at [[!template id=realm]] you have been given a single [[account]]. +Tied to this account is an email address (or possibly more than one). + +All incoming emails are delivered to the inbox of your personal account (ie. +same location no matter if you have more addresses attached). + + +## Webmail setup + +Webmail is probably the simplest way to reach your emails. Somewhat like +HoTMaiL but without advertisements. + +The website [[!template id=webmailurl]] offers several webmail applications, +each with different strengths and weaknesses. + +The topmost of the webmail applications, IMP, is recommended, due to its most +complete functionality. It provides access to changing your account +[[password]]. + +Same website also lists some alternative websites also offering webmail access +to accounts at [[!template id=realm]]. Save those addresses on your own +computer, for the case of the primary webmail service one day being out of +order. + +Entering webmail, step by step: + + 1. Go to [[!template id=webmailurl]] + 2. Pick the topmost webmail application, IMP + 3. Login using your personal username and password + + +## Recommended setup of local email program + +If you have a computer of your own, it is recommended to use a "real" email +application in favor of webmail. It works faster and is more stable. It is also +puts less burden on the server. + + 1. Download [Mozilla Thunderbird](http://www.mozilla.com/thunderbird) + + (!) Other email programs work too, but Mozilla Thunderbird is considered + most reliable, while still both userfriendly and + [free](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_software). + + 2. Create an "imap" account + + (!) The alternative, pop3 (suggested by default in many applications), is + less flexible - e.g. does not work well concurrently with webmail access to + your emails. + + 3. Use your provided username and **[[!template id=mailhost]]** as both + incoming and outgoing server + 4. Enable encryption for incoming mail (imap or pop3): + * Enable "SSL" (also called "secure connection") + 5. Enable encryption for outgoing mail (smtp): + 1. Enable "SSL" + 2. Change port number from the standard 25 to 465 (Mozilla Thunderbird does + this automatically) + 3. Enable authentication, using same username and password as for your + incoming mail + + /!\ Avoid "TLS" (also called "secure *passwords*") - it does not work + together with SSL. + +Many email applications help you setting up your account using a "wizard". +Unfortunately security setup is often left out from such routines. +If you are guided by a wizard, you therefore afterwards need to manually check +that the configuration produced match the above instructions. + +/!\ Some applications stash away security options (SSL, password etc.) below +"advanced settings" or similar. + +Your email application might complain that it does not trust the mail server. +You then need to accept the "security certificate" used at [[!template +id=realm]] (see external reference to riseup.net at the bottom of this page). +Mozilla Thunderbird need no special handling. + + +## Special quirks with Apple Mail + +The default setting for some versions of Apple Mail is to leave a copy of all +your emails on the server, even when deleted in the application. + +If you use Apple Mail, you need to avoid filling up your +[[allowed disk space|quota/intro]] by changing that behaviour: + + 1. Open "Mail" + 2. Go to Preferences > Accounts > Advanced + 3. Check "remove copy from server after retrieving a message" + + +## External links + +The help texts at riseup.net is generally good, as their system works much like +this. Just remember to use **[[!template id=mailhost]]** whenever +"mail.riseup.net" is mentioned. + + * [Setting up email applications](http://help.riseup.net/mail/mail-clients/) + * [Dealing with security certificates](http://help.riseup.net/mail/security/certificates/) + * [Avoiding "leave on server" with pop3](http://www.earthnet.net/support/email/email_pop_remove_copy.htm) |