First Class Email Tips and Tricks

A common request is "How do I set up First Class at home" so that I can check my email there as well as at school. You'll need a computer, modem, and an Internet account from an Internet Service Provider. An account through ENOREO configured as PPP works well. Here's how.

Step 1: Get the software.

In order to access the First Class server, you need the First Class software. It is available, free of charge, from Softarc Inc.

Choose the Windows or Macintosh version depending on your computer.

The software will come compressed. You'll need a utility like Winzip or Stuffit Expander to expand the compressed files. Once you've uncompressed the file, run the SETUP or INSTALLER program and let First Class install itself where it wants to on your computer.

SCAN FOR VIRUSES

Softarc is a legitimate site for downloads but it's a good practice to scan everything you download.

Step 3: Configure the software.

Start the First Class program. From the FILE Menu, select NEW SETTINGS and give it a name like GECDSB. There are three things that have to be configured properly in order to get onto the GECDSB server.

a) Connect via: when you look at First Class for the first time, the default is MODEM.FCP. Click on the down arrow and change it to TCPIPWAN.FCP.

b) Server: First Class needs to know where our server is. Well, it is located on the Internet and the address is:

199.71.141.254

The periods are important.

c) TCP Port: This setting seems to be well hidden! Click on the SETUP button and then on ADVANCED SETTINGS. This will open a very technical looking screen but you're interested in changing only one of the values. In the top right, the TCP Port needs to be changed to 510. It may well have a value of 3000 or 3004 when you look at it. Just click on the number that's there and type 510.

d) Save Your Settings: Click on SAVE to close your Advanced Settings and then click on SAVE again to save your Service Setup.

You're all set to go.

Step 4: Call your Internet Service Provider using your dialer.

This is done the same way that you would do if you were going to go onto the Internet with Netscape or Internet Explorer. Run your dialer to connect to your Internet Service Provider. Once you're connected, start the First Class program. From the FILE menu, OPEN the GECDSB settings and you'll be connected to the First Class mail system. Enter your login and password and you're there.

Experienced Users...

Once you're set up, you can speed the process of getting online somewhat. For example, instead of loading the First Class client and then opening the GECDSB settings, consider creating a shortcut or alias and putting that on your desktop or in your Internet folder. If you're the only one using that computer and our First Class server, then fill your user name and password into your settings screen along with checking the login automatically box.