AntMail v0.79

 

Software           :  AntMail v0.7.9

Category           :  Comms

Reviewer           :  Les Charles

Status                :  Freeware

System              :  All ataris, 1Mb memory minimum,                              ST medium or higher

Score               :  76%

 

AntMail is an internet email application developed by Dan Ackerman which uses the STIK internet connection software (also developed by Dan) which takes care of the on-line details which just leaves setting up AntMail using the excellent documentation provided.

Clicking on 'Send mail' to Dan inserts the author's address

This involves creating a mail folder using the 'Create New User Folder' option under the 'Extras' menu. The file selector appears ready to select the path and enter a mail folder name.

Mail management is easy - take your pick from these options

Next, configure AntMail selecting each option in the 'Config' menu in turn. My Internet Service Provider (ISP) is CIX and my settings are as follows:
 

• User Settings
• User Name: Enter the hostname you agreed with your ISP
• Password: As supplied by your ISP
• Save Password: Yes/No: Select Yes to password protect AntMail and prevent casual access to your mail.
• Email Address: As agreed with your ISP (mine is lcharles@bird.compulink.co.uk)
• Your Real Name: One we can all cope with!
• Reply To: Only needed if you want to forward mail to a different email address.
• Set Mail Folder: Select the path you set up under 'Create New User Folder'.
• Set Sig File: Select a file to be automatically appended to your emails (typically an ASCII text file containing your signature, contact details) then click on 'Set Now'.
• Server Settings
• Pop Server: As specified by your ISP (mine is mail.compulink.co.uk)
• SMTP Server: As specified by your ISP (mine is mail.compulink.co.uk)
• Leave Mail on Server: Yes/No: To automatically delete messages after receipt select No - make your selection then click 'Set Now'.

Use your favourite text editor - no learning curve required!

Program Settings

The first three options 'Use Verbose Listing', 'Use Slow IO' and 'Force Window Redraws' can all be toggled between Yes/No, they all default to No and these settings work fine for me.

Click on the 'Select Ext. Editor' and 'Select Ext. Viewer' in turn to select the path to your preferred text editor and file viewer using the file selector then click 'Set Now'.

Next select the 'Save settings' option to save a DEFAULT.SET via the file selector 'OK' button and finally select the 'Save Preferences' option to preserve your settings for future AntMail sessions.

The documentation covers collecting and sending mail via STiK along with advanced features including multiple mailboxes - but get a basic setup functioning correctly first.

AntMail is a solid performer offering off-line mail creation and reading. The on-line phase is performed reliably and works well across a range of Atari machines and under MagiC.
I'd like to see a re-sizeable mailbox dialogs because they're a bit small and a built-in address book - or maybe a link to an external utility but overall AntMail gets the job done.

Nobody wants to talk to you - no news is good news eh?