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Here are some answers to commonly asked questions. If you have more questions please contact the LTS help desk at x67782 or search the Zimbra Forums
For Tips and Tricks please visit the advanced Bmail page.
• What is Bmail?
Bmail is an e-mail platform that replaced the old Brandeis Webmail (webmail.brandeis.edu), and will eventually replace Oracle Calendar as well.
• Why did LTS making this change?
For lots of reasons. The new system is easier for you to use, easier for us to manage, and less expensive for us to maintain. In short, Bmail is a big improvement over the old system.
• What’s the difference?
Unlike the previous webmail interface, Bmail is designed to be used primarily as a web client, the same way you might be using Gmail or Yahoo! mail today. And those people who prefer to use an email application will have more flexibility when it comes to e-mail and calendar clients and mobile devices, so you’ll be able to choose the application that works for you.
B-Mail offers many new features that in the past have not been part of the Brandeis email and calendar systems. Here is a partial list of some key features.
• If I am an old Webmail user, how will this affect me?
The address for webmail will be different (bmail.brandeis.edu) but the old webmail.brandeis.edu will still work after we retire the old Horde IMP webmail. Anyone using an E-mail client (Thunderbird, Mail for Mac) will also have to change their incoming mail server from imap.brandeis.edu to bmail.brandeis.edu. Other than that, you shouldn't notice any changes in E-Mail. None of your email will be lost during the migration. One of the reasons it's going to a little time to move everyone over is we're not just moving you, we're moving every email in your account. Moving all those gigabytes takes time.
• Who do I call when I have a problem?
Students can call or email the UNet help desk. Faculty and staff should call the Help Desk at x64357 or itservice@brandeis.edu
• What is Zimbra and why do I keep seeing references to it?
Bmail is the Brandeis implementation of the ZCS (Zimbra Collaboration Suite) that is developed by Zimbra a Yahoo! company. LTS has decided to brand ZCS as Bmail to focus on the Brandeis community and the services we provide.
• What should I do if I have a slow network connection?
The Bmail advanced client requires a broadband network connection and a computer in good working order with at least 1gb of memory and a 1.2Ghz processor. The Standard client should work with almost any computer and over a slower network connection. When you are logging in to Bmail, you can select the version to use. The default is the Advanced client, but if your connection is slow, select the Standard client.
• Why does my drafts folder show unread messages when it is empty?
To fix this problem right click on your trash folder and click empty.
This problem occurs because some mail clients, like Thunderbird, will automatically create draft messages and delete them. The Bmail web interface incorrectly reports these as unread messages.
• What is the difference between the standard and advanced web client?
The Bmail advanced client acts like a full featured desktop email client. It uses advanced web 2.0 features that load new emails and features in your computers memory. While this provides a great user experience it requires a fast network and a fast computer. The standard client provides most features as the advanced client except that you will notice the page reloads frequently and it acts more like a traditional web page.
• What is a Zimlet?
Zimlets are extensions to the ZCS Zimbra Collaboration Suite that are added by the LTS Systems Engineers. Zimlets add functionality to the Bmail web interface, such as the contact cleaner or when you see URL's or dates higlighted in an email. For more information see the Zimbra Zimlet pages.
• Can I continue to use my local folders with the web access?
Everything is stored on the server in the web version but due to a more efficient file scheme, the server space used is dramatically decreased.
• Do I still need to keep my inbox and sent folders under 4,000 messages to avoid having my mailbox split?
There will no limits on your mailbox or folder sizes in Bmail. You should continue to manage your messages and delete unnecessary messages so that it is easier to find the emails that you need in a timely fashion.
• Are tasks synchronized with the Outlook connector?
Yes tasks are included when you use the Outlook Connector with Microsoft Outllook. For more informaion on the Outlook Connector please see the Zimbra documentation.
• Why can't I see all the messags in a folder in the web interface?
If you have more than one page of messages, the blue scroll arrows (on the right above your first message) will be active and allow you to scroll to more messages.
