New, streamlined email system is a sound delivery

CORRECTION: Network Services is responsible for the change in email services, although computing services assisted with the switch. The new system works on both Macs and PCs. This article has been edited since its publication in Volume 10 Issue 17.

On Jan. 3, as we prepared to return to class, network services rolled out the new student email system—they never stopped working over break.

The new system, which boasts more memory and scheduling capabilities, is a cloud-based service that is offered by live@edu, better known as a Microsoft service.

At first I thought that the roll out, like many other ambitious technological shifts, was delayed when I tried for three days to update to the new system.

Then in a flash of brilliance (OK, more common sense than brilliance), I cleared my cookies and wha-lah, there it was.

Before I had my epiphany about the cookies, I had emailed helpdesk@fgcu.edu to ask why I couldn't upgrade, and Clinton Nitz replied within moments with the same suggestion about the cookies.

The upgrade was painless, my emails transferred to the new system and I even had a few new ones to boot, one of which was my contacts list from the other system, that I must admit I have yet to attempt to import.

So far, I am OK with the change. The look is appealing, and it looks like a more modern system. I hated the preview pane, so I figured out how to remove that. It took me a while to figure out the whole conversation grouping and how to make an email open; sometimes being click-happy works miracles.

The calendar function is nice. It's similar to the Google calendar as in you can share any or all of it with certain people, allowing you to coordinate study groups, remember deadlines and even keep up with your work schedule if you want. That's a nice feature.

Another good move on network services' part was including directions for integrating the email with our smart phones. I used to have to go online to the eagle.edu website and sign in to get my e-mail. Having it pushed to my phone is time-saving, to say the least.

My largest complaint is my inability to take advantage of some of the conveniences the system has to offer. For example, I can't put a permanent signature in.

At first I thought it was because I was using the Chrome browser, Google's browser that isn't "compatible" with FGCU's various software, but the system is compatible for the most part. But, I have also tried Firefox and Internet Explorer, and none of them allow my settings to save. I would like to not have to type "Thank you, Mandie Rainwater" at the end of each email.

I would also like my display name to read Mandie, not Amanda, but no matter how many times I try and make it change, it always reverts back.

All in all, I guess it's going to be fine. Nick Diemart, a junior majoring in education, said "It's like everything else: the more we use it, the more used to it we will become."