Thunderbird 2.x Secure Connection/SMTP Authentication Setup
Configuring Thunderbird 2.x to use the secure POP/IMAP connection that the SIUC e-mail servers offer is a relatively easy process. You first must open Thunderbird as you would as if checking your e-mail.
Next, click the e-mail address (most users will only have one) you wish to configure (on the left hand side), and you will see a screen similar to the one below. Click the "View settings for this account" link in the middle of the page on the right hand side.
You will see a pop-up menu similar to the one below. Click "Server Settings" in the field on the left hand side under the e-mail account you wish to configure. On the right hand side, click the check box next to "Use secure connection (SSL)". Verify that the Server Name is correct (saluki-mail.siu.edu) and that your Network ID appears and is correct. The "Port:" number will automatically be changed for you. If you are a POP user, the port number will be 995, if you are an IMAP user, the port number will be 993.
Click the "Outgoing Server (SMTP)" link in the left hand field. Select the outgoing server you wish to modify (saluki-mailhub.siu.edu) and click the "Edit" button. Verify that the Server Name is correct (saluki-mailhub.siu.edu), change the server name if it is not correct. Click the checkbox next to "Use name and password" and fill in your Network ID (the first part of your e-mail address) in the appropriate field. Click the "TLS, if available" radio button under "Use secure connection (SSL):". This process will activate both secure connections on the outgoing mail server as well as SMTP authentication. Click the "OK" button.
Close and reopen Thunderbird. Verify that these setting work correctly by first attempting to check your mail. If you are able to check your mail, test the outgoing e-mail server by sending an e-mail message to someone (yourself is fine).You will be prompted to enter your password to authenticate yourself on the outoing e-mail server (saluki-mailhub.siu.edu). If your configuration changes were successful, you will be able to send and receive e-mail.
You should also see a small yellow lock icon appear next to your e-mail address (see below in red circle) in Thunderbird. This shows you that Thunderbird is using a secure connection.
If you have any difficulties wish this configuration change, you can contact the Computer Support Center at 453-5155 (infotech@siu.edu) and they will be able to assist you.