Email

Sending and receiving email

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'. Information about getting an email alias is available from the StartPage ("Reserve an email alias").

Important: If you already have an email address and don't 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).

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

1. 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.

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

2. Using a mail client (in your personal computer). Mail reader software is more powerful and has more features than webMail. Your email is transferred to your computer and then read there. The size of your mail archive can be as large as your disk.

   A disadvantage is that your mail is only accessible while you are at your computer.

With WebMail, your email stays on the computers at NCF.

Backup in case of computer crash is a consideration too.

Personal computer-based mail clients were dominant, but the trend is away from mail clients toward server-based webmail, mostly because of the convenience of being able to access the mail from any browser anywhere, even from phones and hand-held devices.

NCF Webmail

NCF Webmail works in a browser, letting you 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; 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's nothing to install.

NCF's Webmail uses popup windows when composing a new message or when replying or forwarding a message. Some browsers have popup blockers that need to be told to allow popups for Webmail -- click here for information on enabling pop-ups.

Mail readers (mail clients)

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

• Microsoft Windows Live Mail
• Mozilla Thunderbird
• Eudora
• Pegasus

(Microsoft Outlook Express is outdated but still in use on older systems. Microsoft Outlook is a for-fee, part of Microsoft Office.)

If you don't have a mail reader, you may download a copy at no cost at the manufacturer's website. Once it is installed on your computer, you need to configure it so it knows from where to retrieve/send your email.

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.

Here are step by step instructions to configure older mail readers:

• Microsoft Outlook Express
• Mozilla Thunderbird
• Apple Mail
• Pegasus Mail
• Eudora Mail
• Netscape Mail

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 (by clicking on 'Intro') and Frequently Asked Questions on customizing SpamFilter (by clicking on 'FAQ').