Webmail, WebFiles upgrades result in easy-to-use interfaces

May 18, 2009

This month, OIT upgraded its Duke webmail and WebFiles services, giving each an easy-to-use interface and some added functionality.

Webmail is the Web interface for DukeMail, Duke’s default e-mail service. DukeMail users can log in at http://webmail.duke.edu/ to access their e-mail from any Web-enabled location. The upgraded webmail system, which uses the @Mail solution, automatically recognizes the browser being used and defaults to the most appropriate interface:

  • Advanced Interface, designed for Firefox 1.5 and newer and Internet Explorer 6 and newer, which provides additional functionality with a new look and feel;
  • Simple Interface, designed for all other browsers, which offers similar functionality with a clean look and feel and the ability to drag and drop messages;
  • Basic Interface, which works with any Internet browser and is available to users who specifically select it for a similar but plainer look and feel to the Simple Interface; and
  • Phone Interface, which works on most smartphones and mobile devices.

Users can override the default interface for their browser to select a preferred interface if desired. The previous webmail interface will be available short-term to users at http://webmail.duke.edu/classic, but will be decommissioned eventually.

WebFiles, which provides Web-based access to 5 GB of personal file space to all Duke staff, faculty and students, now displays a new Web interface that features navigation options at the top of the page and allows users to “drag and drop” files between folders. While viewing their WebFiles items, users can switch between “list” and “icon” views and can order files by type, size, title or date.

The enhanced WebFiles also will add new functionality designed to help users who want to upload many files or an entire folder at once. Using the WebDAV protocol, users will be able to mount their WebFiles space on a Mac or PC desktop as a file system without opening a Web browser. For more information about this functionality, visit WebDAV How To's.

For help with webmail, WebFiles or any OIT service, call the OIT Service Desk at 684-2200 or visit http://oit.duke.edu/help.