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This page contains information about the SMTP-Secure email option, which allows both on-campus and off-campus users to send email from their computers through the CITES email system without the use of the campus VPN.
This service is still undergoing beta testing by volunteer users.What is SMTP-Secure?
SMTP-Secure is an email configuration option that allows campus users to send email securely from any location, on or off campus.
If you use a software-based email client (like Outlook or Thunderbird) with some campus email accounts, then you can experience problems sending mail when you're off campus.
You can work around this by logging in to the VPN to claim an on-campus IP address, but it's easier if you don't have to remember to take that step.
SMTP-Secure lets you identify yourself as a member of the campus community who's authorized to send mail through the CITES email system. With SMTP-Secure, you can use the same email configuration from any location, whether or not you're using the VPN.
(Note: This problem only applies to software-based email clients like Outlook and Thunderbird. People who use web-based email like Gmail or http://express.cites.uiuc.edu can send and receive email from anywhere.)
How do I know if I need to use SMTP-Secure?
You don't need to use SMTP-Secure if:
- You always use web-based email (like http://express.cites.uiuc.edu, Gmail, Yahoo Mail, etc.).
- You only send email from a computer located on campus.
SMTP-Secure will be useful to you if:
- You have a laptop that you use both at home and on campus for work or school.
- You travel frequently with your laptop.
Not sure? Give it a try
If you're not sure whether you need SMTP-Secure or not, feel free to try it. You'll never have to stop and wonder whether your email configuration will work, since SMTP-Secure works both on and off campus.
If you use Exchange or departmental mail (e.g., netid@exchange.illinois.edu or netid@yourdepartment.illinois.edu), you may not need this configuration change in order to be able to send mail from off campus. Some departmental mail servers have similar configurations in place. Check with your email system administrator for more information.
How do I configure my email client to use SMTP-Secure?
Choose your operating system and email client below:
- Windows - Mozilla Thunderbird
- Windows - Microsoft Outlook
- Mac OS X - Mozilla Thunderbird
- Mac OS X - Apple Mail
- Other email clients