On August 22, 2001, we introduced "authenticated SMTP" which allows people who use some ISPs to use cattell as their SMTP (outgoing mail) server. In a nutshell, you set your smtp server to smtp.sas.upenn.edu. (Not "cattell.psych.upenn.edu".)
This is convenient for people who use an ISP which does not provide an SMTP server or does not process mail if the return address is not in the ISP's domain, e.g., Verizon applies this restriction.
Authenticated SMTP means that when you send a message, you are prompted for your cattell password, which you need to provide. Mozilla and Netscape 7 can enter your password automatically.
Unfortunately, some ISPs block authenticated SMTP, so this may not work for everyone.
The introduction of authenticated SMTP affects only some users' ability to SEND mail. It has no effect on anyone's ability to read their email.
How this affects you:
You are not affected if
If either of these conditions is met, you can send email as usual, and you do not have to change anything to your mail program settings.
If you use a POP or IMAP mail program running on your home PC or Mac and connect through an ISP (internet service provider), you can still use Penn's STMP server as long as your ISP does not block authenticated SMTP.
If your ISP blocks authenticated SMTP, you need to configure your POP or IMAP program to specify the SMTP server provided by your ISP, instead of cattell. Your mail may then have your ISP address as where the mail is "From". (If this happens and you don't like it, consider changing your ISP.) Some common ones are:
If you your ISP does not block authenticated SMTP and you prefer or have to use Penn as your SMTP server, then you need to configure your mail reader for authenticated SMTP. Please click on the link below corresponding to your mail reader for instruction on how to do this.
If you require further assistance, please get in touch with Sherry Michael, manager@psych.upenn.edu, 215-898-2141.