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Introducing FirstClass
FirstClass is an easy-to-use, advanced communications and information system. With FirstClass, you can:
• send and receive electronic mail (email), voice mail, and faxes
• transfer text and graphics files so that other users can access them
• browse and send messages to online forums
• organize items for easy access
• publish information on the World Wide Web (web).
Depending on the way your administrator has set up your user account, you may not be able to use all of FirstClass' features. For example, you may be able to read messages in certain areas, but not delete them. In addition, to use all of FirstClass' features, you need to have JavaScript enabled on your browser.
If you are unclear about whether you should be able to use a particular feature, contact your administrator.
To see any of the pictures embedded in this help full size, click them. This help generally documents how FirstClass works using the current FirstClass interface on Internet Explorer. If you are using a different web browser, or your administrator changed to a different interface, functionality may change.
For more information about our products, or to download software, visit our web site at www.centrinity.com.
FirstClass objects
Messages
Messages are pieces of email that are sent through FirstClass. Messages may be sent:
• locally on the same FirstClass server
• through a gateway that connects another FirstClass server or another messaging system
• through the Internet to anyone who can receive email.
Memos
You can create memos in FirstClass. These are the differences between a message and a memo.
A message:
• is intended for mailing to someone electronically, and therefore includes space for address information
• cannot normally be edited after being sent
• expires after a certain period by default
• is automatically named with the name of the sender (for mail received) or recipient (for mail sent).
A memo:
• is intended for posting directly to an area where others can see it, and therefore cannot be mailed
• can be edited after it has been posted
• never expires by default
• must be named explicitly.
Uploaded files
You can upload files such as word processing and graphics files so that they are available to other users. These files can be attached to messages.
Folders
FirstClass folders work just like other folders you are used to on your operating system. You can create and name folders, then put messages and documents in them to organize your work area for easy access.
In addition, your administrator may create external folders.
Conferences
At first glance, FirstClass conferences look just like folders. A conference serves the same purpose of putting items with a common topic into one place, but there are some important differences.
A conference:
• is intended mainly as an online forum for the exchange of information
• has controlled access; you need to be given certain permissions to be able to see and work with it
• can be the recipient of messages
• is flagged when it contains unread mail.
A folder:
• is intended mainly as an organizational aid
• does not have directly controlled access; the object within which the folder was created determines the folder's access
• can only hold messages that have been moved there
• does not indicate that it contains unread mail.
Calendars
FirstClass includes online calendars that record time commitments, such as meetings, and tasks that you need to complete. In addition to your own personal calendar, you may have access to public calendars that let you schedule meetings at mutually convenient times.
Your Mailbox
Your FirstClass Mailbox contains:
• messages that have been sent to you
• all messages that you have sent
• messages that you have created but not yet sent.
About the FirstClass system
Servers
A server stores all your messages and documents, and the Mailbox, conference, and folder structure that contains these items. It also contains information about all the users known to the server.
When you log into FirstClass, you connect to a server. Your organization may have multiple servers, and you may be able to connect to some of these servers as well. On each server, you will see the objects that the administrator for that server has given you permission to see.
The server to which you normally connect is considered your home server.
Clients
Client software runs on your computer. It connects to a server, and provides the interface (such as menu commands) that lets you work with FirstClass objects.
You can use one of the following clients to connect to a server:
• the FirstClass client, which runs on Windows, Mac OS, or UNIX
• a web browser
• a phone
• a handheld device.
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