What's my e-mail address ?What's my e-mail address ?
Your e-mail address is a combination of your user name plus "@monitor.net" all in lower case. If your user name is "mary," then your e-mail address is "mary@monitor.net" exactly.
Can I use Outlook Express for Internet mail
?
Yes, but we STRONGLY discourage it for Windows users. All of the recent computer viruses have spread via Outlook (Read this article for more information). Although anti-virus programs may not be able to protect you from new viruses, at least they may block some of the older forms spread through Outlook. Please see our Windows FAQ for more information on viruses.
To setup Outlook Express, follow these instructions:
How can I send e-mail from Netscape ?
There are two flavors of Netscape: version 4.78 (and earlier), and versions 6 and later. The program changed drastically with version 6, and we can no longer recommend it. Netscape Mail (or its newer form, called "Messenger") is adequate for sending and receiving a few pieces of mail per day. Anyone using e-mail often, however, will probably find Eudora or Outlook Express a better choice. Eudora can be downloaded from Eudora for web page e-mail instead.
Here are some step-by-step instructions for configuring both versions:
VERSION 4.x
VERSION 6 or later
What is the "mail.monitor.net" address ?
This is part of the name of your "POP" account. It's used only to configure Eudora, Netscape, and other programs that send or receive Internet e-mail.
The "mail." part simply refers to a particular computer among the suite of minicomputers that provide monitor.net services. It's a bit like having a post office box. Although we have an Occidental postal address, we don't "go to Occidental" to pick up letters -- we specifically visit the post office in Occidental. Similarly, you "receive e-mail at monitor.net" but don't "go to monitor.net" to pick up your mail -- you go to the post office at monitor.net, i.e. "mail.monitor.net."
Only use the "@monitor.net" address when telling others how to contact you.
What is the "vanzetti.monitor.net" address ?
Vanzetti is the name of our computer that handles e-mail; all computers connected in networks have names for ease of use. Thus "vanzetti.monitor.net" is just another name for "mail.monitor.net." If it's appearing in the "From:" address on your e-mail, however, that indicates that your mail program isn't setup correctly. Please call Monitor tech support at 823-0100.
Only use the "@monitor.net" address when telling others how to contact you.
How can I send e-mail from Internet Explorer ?
Depending on your version of Internet Explorer, you might have Outlook Express, Outlook or Microsoft Exchange available. (More info on Exchange is below.) Please call Monitor tech support if you have Outlook Express or Outlook.
If you have version 4 of Internet Explorer, a built-in mail option is available (it's really another version of Outlook Express). To configure that, open the "Internet Mail" icon. Click on "Mail," then "Options," then the "Server" tab. Assuming your name is Mary Jones and your Monitor user name is "mary," enter the following:
| Name: | Mary Jones |
| Organization: | (This is optional) |
| E-Mail Address: | mary@monitor.net |
| Outgoing mail SMTP: | mail.monitor.net |
| Incoming mail POP3: | mail.monitor.net |
| POP3 user name: | mary |
Why do I get a "relaying denied" error when sending mail ?
First, make sure your outgoing mail setting (SMTP) is set for mail.monitor.net exactly (just "monitor.net" alone won't work).
If you have Outlook Express:
Go to TOOLS menu, choose "Accounts"If you have Eudora: check the "authentication required" box under in the Sending Mail option.
Click on the Monitor icon, press the Properties button
Choose the Servers tab at the top
Check the box for "My server requires authentication"
How can I pick up my e-mail when away from Sonoma County ?
Most users use our free web mail, which allows you to pick up your mail from our special web page. Additional help is available.
Can I have my e-mail stopped when I'm away
?
When you're away from your home or office, there's a program called "vacation" that is often used to handle your e-mail. Anyone who sends a message to your MAIN address when the vacation program is active is immediately returned a message of your choosing.
To use vacation, print these instructions. You must first start a telnet program. If you don't have telnet software, visit our software pages for your type of computer.
All monitor.net customers can have three mailboxes -- their regular user name plus two "aliases."
Aliases are simply alternate names; any mail sent to an alias will appear in your e-mail box, just as if it was addressed directly to you. For example: assume your Monitor user name is "mary," and the aliases are "dentist" and "jones-kids." Any mail sent to jones-kids@monitor.net will be received by mary@monitor.net, and any mail to dentist@monitor.net will also go to mary@monitor.net.
It is important to understand that aliases are like "nicknames" for your regular Monitor e-mail. When you connect to Monitor and pick up e-mail, any messages waiting for any of these names will be received. To automatically separate e-mail for your various names, use a program with a "sort" or "filter" function. Popular choices include Eudora Pro, Outlook Express, and Pegasus. These programs can also be configured to show the correct return address and signature for each name. (We're often asked if e-mail can be distributed to different computers in the house where it can be read privately. If you have Windows98 or later, start by reading this article from Microsoft on home networking, but please understand that Monitor cannot offer technical help in this area.)
To collect e-mail sent to an alias, simply use your e-mail progam as usual. Nothing should be changed in control panels or system utilities -- you're still making an Internet connection to Monitor using your POP account name, which is mary@mail.monitor.net (with your name in place of "mary.")
Change only the return e-mail address in Eudora and other e-mail programs. When replying to mail sent to dentist@monitor.net, for example, you'll probably want your return address to be your professional alias. To change the return e-mail address in Eudora, select "Settings" from the Special menu. The return address is found in the "Personal Information" section. (You might also want to change the "Real Name," so your answer will appear to come from "Dr. Mary Jones, DDS.") When done replying to aliased e-mail, don't forget to change these fields back to what they were.
Remembering to change these different sections can be troublesome. Often we recommend that separate e-mail programs be used. Thus the return name and address in Eudora is always mary@monitor.net, and the kids use Netscape Mail where jones-kids@monitor.net is the return setting.
Still other alternatives for handling aliased e-mail are available, but require special care in setting them up. Write support@monitor.net and ask for details.
These messages are called "spam,"and are typically sent out to thousands of Internet users simultaneously. For more information, see our special spam help page on this topic.
Where can I learn more about Eudora ?
A complete manual on Eudora is available for download and printing.
Versions are available specific to both
Windows
and
Mac. (Both require a copy of Adobe Acrobat).
Eudora error messages are sometimes cryptic, but their tech support web page is often helpful.
How can I use SSL with Eudora ?
WINDOWS
MACINTOSH
I just received threatening e-mail -- should I do anything ?
Yes! Law enforcement will tell you that threats and harassment should always be taken seriously. Contact support@monitor.net immediately and we'll help you take proper actions.
Can I use Microsoft Exchange for Internet mail
?
Yes, if you have Windows 95/98. Follow these instructions to set up Microsoft Exchange. The "Windows 95 annoyances" page also offer valuable tips on solving common Exchange problems.
qa_mail.html - 05/20/03 dmt