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CSM Webmail

 

 

Overview

 

Web based email clients, like CSM Webmail (https://webmail.mines.edu), function very similarly to the usual desktop or local email clients like Mozilla Thunderbird,  Qualcomm Eudora or Microsoft Outlook.   The distinguishing feature of a webmail client is that it is a web page; it can be accessed from any computer with a  web browser and internet access.

 

The advantage of a webmail system is that it provides a centralized location for accessing your email, no matter what computer you use.  This can be a significant advantage to those who travel regularly or who access their email from several different computers, but it also makes a very good primary mail client.  AC&N provides such access via the web-site noted above.

 

 

 

Getting Started

 

Before using CSM Webmail, you must have a CSM email account on the system (or "cluster") known as Imagine; all current students, faculty and staff are eligible for these accounts.  If you have not already set up a CSM email account, see Creating Accounts for CSM AC&N PC Labs, Macintosh Lab and email cluster (central Unix) (http://www.mines.edu/Academic/computer/docs/guides/createweb.shtml#SlateAccount) for instructions.  Once your email account is set up, log on to CSM Webmail to access and manage your email.

 

 

 

Getting Help

  • If you have problems logging into Webmail, questions about spam, subscribing to folders or changing your password, follow the links available for those issues from the CSM Webmail login page.

  • For more comprehensive help, login to CSM Webmail and click the Help button.

  • See Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) below.

  • If you still have questions or need help, please open a ticket the Mines Help Center  (http://helpdesk.mines.edu).

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What email address should I give people to reach me by Webmail?

Your email address will stay the same; your_username@mines.edu.
 

Is CSM Webmail an email service like HotMail or YahooMail?

No.  Like HotMail or YahooMail, CSM Webmail stores your configuration on the server, which allows you to have a consistent interface for email irrespective of the setup on the computer you are using.  Unlike YahooMail or HotMail, which also provide an actual email address, CSM Webmail is just an interface to your existing CSM email account.
 

How do I use the addresses in my Webmail Address Book?

You have two choices:

  1. If you type the nickname of the person you want to send mail to in the To:, Cc: or Bcc: field and then press the Expand Names button, the nickname of the person will be replaced by their address.

     

  2. Launch the Address Book by clicking the Address Book button located in the compose window.  This will present an option to select and insert the address into the To:, Cc: or Bcc: field.

How do I view all of my contacts in the Address Book?

Launch your Webmail Address Book, leave the names field blank and click the Search button.
 

What is the Webmail attachment size limit? How can I send larger attachments?

The attachment size limit on CSM Webmail is currently 50 MB, but keep in mind that this value is subject to change.  If you need to send large attachments, and/or send an attachment to multiple recipients, please set the "Link Attachments?" Option in the Compose Mail window to Yes.
 

Can I keep my old Elm and/or Pine mail folders?

Yes, Pine and Elm store your mail in a directory called mail/.  To access these folders, login to CSM Webmail and click the Folders button.  Next click the  Show Unsubscribed link next to the Choose Action box.  Now put a check mark next to the mail folder, not the Mail folder (our email cluster is case-sensitive,) and choose the Subscribe to Folder(s) option from the Choose Action menu.  After you receive a message that you "were successfully subscribed to mail" you will be able to access this folder, and the Pine or Elm email stored in those folders.
 

My web browser displays a warning about sending personal information over the web each time I submit something to CSM Webmail. Why? 

Your browser is correct, there is a danger any time you send information over the web to a website.  Chances are everything is fine but your browser does not know this, so it warns you every time.  For more information please see the next question on security.
 

Is CSM Webmail secure and safe to use?
CSM Webmail is no more or less safe than any other email client.  While we have done everything to make Webmail as secure as possible there are issues you should be aware of:

  • Privacy: A general rule to follow is that if you don't know the owner of the website to which you are sending information to, you can't be certain how that information will be used.  In the case of CSM Webmail, you should trust us, CSM's Academic Computing and Networking.  Webmail falls under the same policy as the Imagine cluster email system.  If you have questions about CSM's privacy policies, please see The CSM Electronic Mail Policy (http://helpdesk.mines.edu).

     

  • Security: There is always some danger is that a third party may be eavesdropping on your communication with CSM, or may be impersonating CSM.  Since you must supply your Imagine credentials to enter the CSM Webmail system, anyone eavesdropping could discover that password.   Fortunately, this threat is virtually eliminated when using a secure web service, which is why the CSM Webmail portal address is https://webmail.mines.edu.  Please note:  if your web browser does not support encryption please contact The Mines Help Center for help.

Can I get a Virus from Webmail?

You should not be able to get a virus from the CSM Webmail, but it is possible to get a virus from email you read using the CSM Webmail system.  You should take the same email precautions that AC&N recommends for all email clients: don't configure your browser to execute programs automatically and don't open attachments unless expecting them, even if the appear to come from someone you know.  You should also install CSM Symantec Antivirus (http://www.mines.edu/academic/computer/software/site-licensed/antivirus.shtml) software on your system and keep it up to date.

 

How do I open attachments?

The CSM Webmail system knows how to handle a limited number of attachment types automatically.  If an attachment does not open when you select it you need to select the save to disk icon just to the left of the attachment name.  This will save the attachment to the hard disk of the current computer.  You can then run the viewer appropriate for that attachment.  Please remember:  Never open an attachment unless you are expecting it, even if it comes from someone you know.
 

I can't save new messages, sent messages, or drafts.  What's wrong?

You are probably "over quota" on your Imagine account disk usage, meaning you've used more disk space than you are allotted.  To save new messages you will need to clean up files on Imagine.  For information about checking your disk usage, removing and compressing files, see the UNIX Disk Usage Quick Reference (http://www.mines.edu/academic/computer/docs/guides/diskuseweb.shtml).

 

Questions or comments -- open a ticket at the Mines Help Center.
Wednesday, 19-Mar-2008 09:31:56 MDT