RPA Webmail Frequently Asked Questions

About Webmail

Using Webmail

Webmail Security

FAQ Answers

What is web-based e-mail?
Webmail is e-mail that can be used anywhere, anytime in the world and it is available from any computer connected to the World Wide Web. RPA Webmail is easy -- just go to http://webmail.rpa.net and sign in with your email username and password!
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How is Webmail different than e-mail?
RPA Webmail does not use any e-mail software program, it only uses a web browser. Because of this, you can use your RPA mail at any computer that has a web browser. Regular e-mail requires an e-mail program to be configured to the RPA mail servers and you can only view your mail at a computer with those correct configurations. With Webmail, you don't need to configure anything.
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Does any member of RPA get this feature?
Yes, any RPA dialup customer gets this service with their account absolutely free! We also offer email-only accounts to non-dialup customers that include a small text ad at the bottom of each email message.
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Can I use RPA Webmail anywhere?
Yes! Webmail can be checked on any computer that already has access to the World Wide Web set up on it.
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Do I need to use any special software?
No, all you need to have have is a web browser, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Communicator, and a connection to the Internet.
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I forgot my password, what do I do?
We are working to implement a password retrieval interface for our customers. In the meantime, you may call RPA's office at 716-756-4500 and request your password over the phone. Please have your account security passphrase ready when you call.
 
Does RPA Webmail have an address book?
Yes, It is called 'Contacts' on the left hand column choices list. When you click on it, a dialogue box comes up and you can add, delete,and edit contacts in your contact list.
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Can I import an address book/contact list with Webmail?
Yes! You may now import Outlook Address contact lists as well as Netscape Communicator address books that have been exported as a .CSV file.
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How do I permanently delete messages?
Once you have deleted an item from any of your folders, it is sent to your Trash folder. You may empty your Trash folder by clicking on the Empty Trash link on the bottom right-hand side of any folder listing.
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How much e-mail storage do I get?
Each RPA customer gets 20MB of web/email space on our servers. All web pages and email messages count toward this space.
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Can I send and receive attachments?
Yes. When composing a new message, simply click on the Browse button to select a file. Then click the Attach button to attach the file to your message. Attachments sent to you will be available from within the email message as a link that you can click on to either open or save.
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Is there a limit to the size of attachments I can send and receive?
RPA customers have 20MB of space on our server with which to store their files and email. The size of attachment that you are capable of receiving depends on the quality and speed of your dialup connection as well as how much space you have free.

As far as sending attachments go, we recommend that customers find another method of transfer for files over 1MB. There are many applications suitable for file transfer -- Instant Messaging programs such as AIM or ICQ, FTPing the file to your web space for download, or IRC programs such as mIRC fill this need quite nicely and are faster than email since they transfer directly from one computer to the other and don't have to go through multiple servers to reach their destination. Email simply wasn't designed for regular transfer of large files. Also, even if you are capable of sending out a 4MB file through email, the person you are sending it to may not be able to receive it due to lack of space/slow connection, etc.
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How much junk e-mail will I get with Webmail?
RPA has excellent SPAM filters to minimize the amount of junk email that you receive. So, the answer is: hardly any, but it's impossible to foil ALL spammers. Should you receive junk email through your RPA account, please forward it to spam@rpa.net so that we may investigate the matter and add the author to our filters.
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Can I also receive my mail on my regular e-mail program?
Yes! You can also receive email through your regular email program just as before. Any messages that you do not delete from Webmail will be left on the server and available for download through your email program. Please visit our technical support pages for assistance with configuring your email program.
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Is RPA Webmail any less private/secure than regular e-mail?
Only people who know your mailbox name and password are capable of accessing your email. This means that you should never give out your password for dialup or email. Email protocols (POP3 and SMTP) are not secure connections with a regular email program. This means that while it's unlikely that anybody will view your email en route to the desired recipient, it is possible. However, nobody will be able to actually log into your RPA Webmail unless they know your mailbox name and password. Keeping your passwords private will eliminate the need for any worry.
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