What is IMAP?

IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) is an "online" method of accessing your email. With IMAP, messages are stored on a mail server and can be accessed with an IMAP client. By default, IMAP clients download only the headers of messages saved on the server. When you select a message header, the client transfers a copy of the entire message from the server to your local computer. The original message remains on the server until you delete it. You must be able to access the server to read messages, which means you need to remain connected to the Internet.

IMAP is ideal for people who use multiple computers to check their e-mail. Since your messages are saved on the server, you can access them from any computer with an Internet connection and an IMAP client. Unfortunately, if the server crashes, your mail is lost. To avoid losing important messages, save back-up copies of them on your local computer.

Loyola offers IMAP service for GroupWise, Loyola's network-based e-mail program. If you check your e-mail solely from Loyola-networked computers (i.e. in a computer lab or networked office), you do not need to set up an IMAP client. GroupWise and StudentEMail interfaces are already available on all Loyola-networked computers.

IMAP Support

Information Technology Services (ITS) does not support IMAP clients, which means ITS does not offer short courses, departmental training, or additional documentation about IMAP clients. IMAP users should contact their IMAP software provider for assistance with problems or questions.

IMAP Clients

The clients provided below are among the most popular IMAP clients being used today. Loyola does not endorse any particular vendor or service listed in the following resources. Because the quality of IMAP clients can vary greatly from one service to the next, we recommend trying different clients before choosing one.

Netscape Messenger:
To open Netscape Messenger, choose Communicator|Messenger from the Netscape 4.7 menu bar. Netscape 6 and higher do not have this option.

Pegasus Mail:
To download Pegasus Mail, visit http://www.pmail.com. Check out their newest release, Pegasus Mail 3.12c.

Eudora 5.1:
To download Eudora 5.1, visit http://eudora.qualcomm.com/eudoralight. You can download the free version (with ads) or the paid version (without ads).

Outlook Express:
Microsoft's Outlook Express comes packaged with Internet Explorer. For more information about Outlook Express, visit http://www.microsoft.com/Windows/oe.
To download Internet Explorer, visit http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/download.

Note: Do NOT use Outlook 2002 (part of Microsoft Office XP) as your IMAP client. It will not work with Loyola IMAP servers.

GroupWise IMAP

Configure Your IMAP Client

Configure your IMAP client using these specifications:

• imaps.luc.edu is your "Inbound Mail," "INBOX server" or "Incoming E-mail server"
• 993 is your "Port", for INBOX server Port," or "Incoming E-mail server Port"
• SSL is your security setting.

• mail.luc.edu is your "Outbound Mail," "SMTP gateway," or "Outgoing E-mail server" if Loyola is your Internet provider (see note below)

• your Loyola Computer ID is your username

• the client should check for new e-mail every 10 (or more) minutes

Note: If you do not connect to the Internet through Loyola, your "Outbound Mail" or "Outgoing E-mail server" specification will NOT be mail.luc.edu. Check with your Internet service provider for the correct specification.   Adittionally, for Blackberry subscribers, you may be required to setup a Wireless account with your wireless carrier prior to setting up your mobile device to receive third party email (e.g. Verizon Wireless Customers)