Getting Started
About FirstClass
OU Computing Services
Installing FirstClass
Upgrading FirstClass
Connecting to FirstClass
Connecting to Multiple FirstClass Servers
FirstClass Personal
Setting up FirstClass Personal
Information
Private Mail
Desktop
Conferencing
Customising


Printable Version
  

Getting Started

About FirstClass

FirstClass is the Open University's e-mail and conferencing system. Over 200,000 students and Associate Lecturers have access to FirstClass and make use of the online community environment that can be found there. Many courses provide a course discussion area and tutor group discussion area (conferences) on FirstClass. If your course does not have a course run conferencing environment you may find there is a social conference for your course within the Open University, OU Student Association discussion area.

By using FirstClass you agree to abide by the Open University Code of Conduct and Conditions of Use for conferencing systems. More information about the FirstClass service, including server downtime scheduled can be found in theInformation section of this site.

Using FirstClass

With FirstClass you can:

  • Send and receive electronic mail (e-mail)
  • Transfer text and graphics files so that other users can access them
  • Browse and send messages to online forums (conferences)
  • Participate in an online synchronous chat
  • Publish information on the World Wide Web
Depending on the level of permissions assigned to your user account, you may not be able to use all of FirstClass' features. For example, you may be able to read messages in certain areas, but not delete them.

How FirstClass Works

The FirstClass client software runs on your computer. It connects to a FirstClass server and provides the interface (such as menu commands) that lets you work with FirstClass objects. You can use any of the following clients to connect to a server; FirstClass client software, a web browser, a handheld device.

The FirstClass Servers store all your messages and documents, the Mailbox, conferences and folder structure that contains these items. It also contains information about all the users known to the server. When you log into FirstClass, you connect to a server. The Open University has several servers and you may be able to connect to more than one of these servers depending on which courses you are studying. On each server, you will see the objects that the administrator for that server has given you permission to see. The server to which you normally connect is considered your home server.

FirstClass objects include:

Back to the top >>