1. Setting up the initial account

First things first. Start creating an account. If you're already using Thunderbird, "Account Options" will probably be either available on the Edit or Tools menu.

If you're in a new installation of Thunderbird, you'll be asked what kind of account you wish to create.

In either event, you are seeking to create an e-mail account.

2. Setting your identity

You need to specify in your e-mail configuration your name and e-mail address. Don't get the address wrong, or you won't be able to receive mail. Your user agreement does not require that you put the correct name in the "Your Name" field -- it really can be anything you want. Depending on the circumstances, sending mail that can't be responded (with an incorrect e-mail address) may be perceived as an attempt to violate the terms of your user agreement with WDY Enterprises.

3. Server Information

We recommend that you set your incoming server to wdyllc.com and use POP mail. IMAP mail is also available, but we leave its use as an exercise to the reader; one should only use IMAP if one already understands how to use it effectively. While its use is permitted, the use of IMAP without proper care and training is likely to result in lost or misdirected e-mail.

4. Setting your username

Your username is the word to the left of the @ symbol in your e-mail address; if your e-mail address is gcfnuser@gcfn.org, then your username is gcfnuser.

5. Setting your account name

You can set this to be anything you like. It does not change the behavior of the system.

6. No, you're not really done!

You still have more settings to make before you'll be able to successfully and receive e-mail. However, you're more than half-way there, now!

7. View Settings

You can view your settings by going to either the Edit or Tools menu, and selecting "Account Settings." Then, select the appropriate account (based on the account name you set two of steps ago) and "View settings for this account".

8. Change Outgoing (SMTP) Server Settings

Click on "Outgoing Server (SMTP) option on the left and you'll see the Outgoing server settings. It is necessary that you apply the following settings to send e-mail through the WDY Enterprises server.

1. You must user a username and password. It must be your username.
2. You must select the "TLS" or "TLS, if available" option. WDY Enterprises servers will not permit you to send outgoing e-mail unless you do this.
3. (OPTIONAL) We recommend that you change the port to port 587. This step may be necessary when you are using a restrictive ISP that blocks outgoing port 25 access. Some ISPs in the central Ohio area are known to do this. If neither port 25 nor port 587 work, it may be necessary to contact WDY Enterprises for assistance.

9. Change server settings (optional)

Click on "Server Settings" on the left and you'll see your server settings. The following optional settings are recommended for general use.

1. Use secure connection (SSL)
   This option helps to protects your username, password, and e-mail messages from being captured or viewed by others as it travels across the Internet.
2. WDY Enterprises suggests checking for e-mail automatically no more frequently than once every 5 to 10 minutes, in keeping with industry standard practices. Statistically speaking, doing so only increases the computational load on our servers without delivering your mail any faster. We've made great strides to keep your costs low, and can only do so when everyone respects the finite nature of computational resources. If/when you need to check for new mail more frequently (expecting that important incoming e-mail message), use the "get mail" button to request a check by hand.