Electronic mail has become an indispensable tool for organizing, communicating, and collaborating with coworkers. CE Software’s recently updated QuickMail delivers an intuitive, easy-to-use interface as well as solid administrative options for network managers. Version 3.0 provides some new client tools; but the most promising of these tools, rules-based message handling, lacks some important features and that cripples its abilities.
Like many E-mail applications, QuickMail comes in two parts: client and administration software. The client software resides on the local user’s computer, while the administration, or server, software runs on a centralized Mac. QuickMail comes with client software for Mac, DOS, and Windows as well as remote client software for Macintosh users (Remote Windows and DOS clients can use any communications package).
The QuickMail experience begins with installing the server softw'are on a suitable Mac. The server software can reside on as lowly a Mac as an SE and can coexist with an AppleShare file server. Installation of the server involves popping in a couple of disks, rebooting the server, and creating a MailCenter.
MailCenters are the heart of every QuickMail server. They’re basically the post offices created for a group of users. A MailCenter can also act as a gateway to collect and deliver mail between other QuickMail servers and online services. QuickMail includes scripts for connecting to CompuServe, MCI, AppleLink, and Delphi. Third parties, such as StarNine (510/649-4949), sell QuickMail gateways that provide access to other services, including the Internet. Creating a MailCenter is an easy task that involves plugging in user names and passwords. A gateway MailCenter requires additional information for such connection terms as baud rate, type of file transfer, and phone numbers. Once the server software has been installed, die QuickMail client software must be installed on all client computers. The minimum configuration for a Mac client is a Plus; for a DOS client, it’s an 8088; and for Windows clients, a 386 is the slowest processor allowed.
In addition to providing basic mail-handling options (send messages; attach enclosures; and receive, print, file, and save E-mail), the QuickMail client lets you establish online chats, check the spelling of messages, search through message text, and create rules to automatically handle routine mail.
QuickConference, also available in previous versions, lets you establish online chats with other QuickMail users. I found it most useful when I was on the phone and needed information for the phone call from someone in the office.
The spelling checker provides the type of basic verification in most word processing applications. I surveyed several QuickMail users who thought it was a great addition and used it regularly.
The text-search function works with all locally filed messages. It cannot search new mail or mail that resides on the QuickMail server. Search criteria can include information in any mail-address field as well as message contents. After a search is complete, the found messages can be viewed in the search window or opened for full view. I was disappointed that CE didn’t include the ability to use drag and drop so that I could move the contents of found messages onto the desktop or into a new E-mail message.
Rules-based message handling is the most promising feature of QuickMail 3.0. Rules allow you to automate certain actions. For example, QuickMail can automatically file all received messages containing the word Deadline in the subject field, to a folder called Urgent MailRead Now, and then delete the message from the in-box. In addition to filing messages, you can automatically print, reply to, delete, and forward messages. One of my first experiences using the Rules feature required the use of Boolean search criteria. Unfortunately, QuickMail 3.0’s limited Boolean search functions preclude the use of an OR statement. Consequently, I had to set up two rules, which means that if a message contains both search triggers, QuickMail will process the message twice. According to CE’s technical support, that was the only way to accomplish my search. The tech-support staff acknowledged that other users were requesting the same capability.
Two utility applications are also included with QuickMail — QuickMail Remote and QuickMail Forms; neither application was updated in the current version. QuickMail Remote allows users to attach to the QuickMail sender remotely. This application has not been updated in quite some time; it is not intuitive and requires a host of communications configurations. Most large sites using QuickMail have adopted a workaround using Apple Remote Access and a local QuickMail client.
QuickMail Forms enables you to customize your electronic-mail forms to accommodate the personalities of your office and the people who work there. QuickMail currently supports only MacPaint format and does not work with multiple forms simultaneously. Many users I surveyed would like to have additional features.
QuickMail 3.0 has built security features into the client and server software. Passwords are required for almost every modification of an existing MailCenter. QuickMail clients can restrict access to their account by requiring a password each time the application is opened. Crafty snoops can still read anyone’s unfiled E-mail by sorting through the QuickMail serv^er and locating the correct files, however. I strongly recommend that QuickMail servers have no keyboard or monitor attached and that administrators use Timbuktu Pro to administer the servers remotely.
The Last Word
If you’re shopping for a first-time E-mail application, QuickMail is a good choice. What it lacks in flashy extra features it makes up for in ease of use and setup. The documentation is well written and easy to understand. If you are currently using QuickMail, I suggest waiting for the next revision before upgrading. With 3.0 you’re basically purchasing the spelling checker, text-search capability, and an unfinished attempt at rules-based messaging.
Clark, Matt. (January 1995). QuickMail 3.0. Macworld. (pg. 59).
CE Software
Applications
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2020-09-15 / 
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quickmail_v30_client.zip
Emulating this? It could probably run under: 
Basilisk II
