As an alternative to UGAMail Webmail, there are a number of desktop e-mail programs that you can use to read your e-mail.

Why IMAP? IMAP supports SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) technology, the industry-standard method for protecting web communications developed by Netscape Communications Corporation. The SSL security protocol provides data encryption, server authentication, message integrity, and optional client authentication for a TCP/IP connection.

IMAP & Your Internet Service Provider

Setting Up Your IMAP E-mail Software

Here is the information that you'll need to enter when setting up your IMAP email program. SSL is not required but is highly recommended.
Outgoing Mailserver	email.uga.edu
Incoming Mailserver	email.uga.edu
Root folder Path	leave blank

Additional Help Information at eitshelpdesk.uga.edu

Setting Up Your IMAP E-mail Software

Select from the configuration documents below for the supported IMAP e-mail programs.

PC IMAP E-mail Programs
Get the Software	Configure for Your Account
http://www.microsoft.com/	Outlook Express 5, 5.5, 6.x
http://www.microsoft.com/	Outlook 2002 Outlook 2007 Windows Mail (Windows Vista)
http://www.mozilla.com/thunderbird/	Mozilla Thunderbird
Macintosh IMAP E-mail Programs
Get the Software	Configure for Your Account
http://www.microsoft.com/	Outlook Express 5.x
http://www.microsoft.com/	Entourage
http://www.apple.com	Macintosh OS X Mail
http://www.mozilla.com/thunderbird/	Mozilla Thunderbird

Each of these applications has its own set of features and advantages and you should choose the one that best suits your needs. You will need to download and install one of these applications on your desktop computer. If you have access to a departmental computer support person you may wish to ask them for assistance.

Deciding on an application to access your UGAMail e-mail is not really all that different from how you typically select other software applications. Although there are several things to consider (such as the type of computer you have, the amount of memory your computer has installed, whether you need to have your e-mail address book centrally available, etc.) your personal preference plays a major role. For instance, you probably selected a Word Processor based on your personal preference or the advice of others. You might have preferred WordPerfect or maybe you chose Microsoft Word, or maybe it was some other application. UGAMail and IMAP e-mail now give you this same power of choice with your e-mail! Note that your individual department or academic unit may standardize on a particular IMAP e-mail program, therefore you should check with your local computer support person to see if this is the case in your situation.