Sending and receiving email
You can send and receive email by using NCF WebMail (browser-based) or by using a mail reader program (mail client) running in your computer.
Using NCF WebMail is the simpliest way to send and receive mail because it runs in a web browser from anywhere and it doesn't require any setup. With WebMail, your email stays on the computers at NCF.
Reading/sending email using a mail client, on the other hand, has the following benefits:
- Email can be read offline.
- It is usually faster than WebMail as you don't have to wait for the WebMail browser window to refresh each time you read/compose an email.
- The size of your mail archive is as large as you provide.
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(Microsoft Outlook Express is outdated but still in use on older systems.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:
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').