How-To: Install and Configure the FirstClass Client

The Wildwood Network is Wildwood's e-mail and conferencing system. It runs on a piece of software known as the FirstClass Server, which stores all of the system's messages on a single computer that the agency's Technology Team manages. The many users of the Wildwood Network access the server, and its messages, through a second piece of software called the FirstClass Client. While Web browser-based access is available at this site, the FirstClass Client tends to give a better user experience.

Downloading and Installing the FirstClass Client

There are two ways to get the FirstClass Client. An older version of the Client, which will work fine with our current server, but does not provide access to some of the new features of the latest server, is available from Open Text, the producer of FirstClass, from their Web site. The most recently released Client, which has full access to the newest features, is available on our own FirstClass Server.

Open Text, the company that produces the FirstClass software, makes copies of an older version of the FirstClass Client available as a free download from their Web site. There is no cost for users of the Wildwood Network who wish to install the software on their home computers. Just use any Web browser to go to Open Text's FirstClass site and look for the Download FirstClass Client link (as of this writing it's under their Resources menu). Choose your operating system from those listed and download the installer to your computer.

Once downloaded, installation tends to be pretty simple. On Windows you just need to run the installer and follow the prompts. On Mac OS X you'll double-click the downloaded file, which is actually a "disk image" file, to mount the "virtual disk" on your computer. Then you run the installer from the "virtual disk" and follow the prompts. If you're running Linux, then it's assumed that you'll be able to figure out the installation for yourself -- it's straightforward, but a bit more difficult than the process for Windows and Mac OS X.

Configuring the FirstClass Client to Find the Wildwood Network

Once the software is installed, you need to configure it to find the Wildwood Network. This has become considerably easier over the past couple of years. Just follow the steps below. (Note: We assume that you have installed the Version 8 or later Client. If you need to install an older version, please contact a member of the Wildwood Technology Team for assistance.)

1. Start the FirstClass Client program.
2. Assuming that you are looking at a Login window, you will need to click the Setup button to get to the Service Setup window.
3. Once you are in the Service Setup window, there is only one change you must make to the default settings. That is, you need to set the Server field so that it reads fc.wildwood.edu. This is the address of the Wildwood Network server. Make this change and click the Save button.

That is it. Now you should have a fully installed and usable version of the FirstClass Client that is configured to work with the Wildwood Network server.

Please contact a member of the Wildwood Technology Team if you run into installation problems while installing the software. Any of us would be glad to help. If you have questions or comments about the Wildwood Network itself, you can write to either the public Wildwood Network conference or send private mail to the Technology Team mailing list (address mail to "Tech", hit "Return", and the list will show in the directory) when you are logged in.

We hope you enjoy using the Wildwood Network.

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