Server address, email address, account and password
The server address is always csc.lsu.edu, the email is userID@csc.lsu.edu and account or username is just your unique userID. Different clients have different ways of asking for these things. Just make a best guess at first.
Many clients attempt to streamline the account setup process by automatically choosing settings for you. If you're unable to connect, look for a button that allows you to manually configure your account and use the settings below.
You will use one setting from the IMAP or POP3 section and one from the SMTP section. StartTLS and SSL/TLS are equivalent, both providing strong encryption for your email and password, but you must match the setting to the port number or the connection will fail.
Valid Settings for IMAP (use either 1 or 2):
1. For IMAP: port 143, StartTLS security and Normal password
2. For IMAP: port 993, SSL/TLS security and Normal password
Valid Settings for POP3 (use either 1 or 2):
1. For POP3: port 110, StartTLS security and Normal password
2. For POP3: port 995, SSL/TLS security and Normal password
Valid Settings for SMTP / Outgoing Mail:
1. SMTP on port 25 StartTLS security and Normal password
2. SMTP on port 465 SSL/TLS security and Normal password
3. SMTP on port 587 SSL/TLS security and Normal password
My client doesn't work or asks for other settings.
Take a guess at the settings, but if you cannot connect please contact me and let me know which client/device you're using. If you need immediate email access, try using the web mail client instead.
What are IMAP, POP3 and SMTP?
IMAP and POP3 are two different methods of accessing or receiving your incoming email from a server. IMAP and POP3 allow you to use an independent mail reading client of your choice to access a mail account. Such clients typically allow you to access multiple accounts allowing you to view and manage all of your email in one place. SMTP is used by such mail clients for sending your outgoing mail. Common mail clients that use IMAP and SMTP are Microsoft Outlook, Mozilla Thunderbird, and Apple Mail. Even web clients such as Gmail can use IMAP to access other accounts.
How do IMAP and POP3 differ?
POP3 is an older protocol that downloads messages and stores them on your device. In today's world where each user often has several devices and the devices have limited space, POP3 is restrictive and rarely used.
IMAP leaves messages on the server (with an optional local archive for offline use) so that when you access your account from two or more devices, you'll see the same mail messages organized the same way. You can seamlessly access mail using IMAP from multiple devices. You can even be logged in from two devices at the same time without causing any serious problems.
Does "normal password" mean that my password is not encrypted?
No! The entire email communication is encrypted via TLS (regardless of the port, protocol or other settings). This encryption protects the password as well. On some systems, the password may have an additional layer of encryption, but this is not needed or allowed on our server.