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

Connecting to Multiple FirstClass Servers

If you have an account on several (multiple) servers you can make simultaneous connections to those servers from one installation (copy) of the FirstClass client software.

First work through the instructions given in the Connecting to FirstClass part of the Getting Started section.

The first time you wish to connect to another server you will need to create a new settings file for the FirstClass client software to use.

  1. Once your client software is running select Collaborate> Connect from the toolbar menu - this will bring up the Login screen
  2. Type the full name of the server you wish to connect to (e.g. oufcnt2.open.ac.uk) in the Address: field of the Login window (overtyping the 'home' of home.fc)
  3. This will result in the Server: field displaying the name of the server you wish to connect to as shown in Figure 1which shows an example for oufcnt2.open.ac.uk

    Figure 1 - Login for oufcnt2

    Figure 1 - Login for oufcnt2

  4. You can use the Save button to save your User Id as before

We strongly advise you not to save your Password into the Password: box since this is a security risk if others have access to your computer or if your computer is stolen. Your current Password should be entered into the Login window each time you want to use the system.

Once you have used these settings files they will be retained within the client software's drop-down menu within the Login screen. This is displayed in Figure 2 which shows the choice of two settings files in the same Login screen.


Figure 2 - Login drop-down menu

Figure 2 - Login drop-down menu

Assuming your ISP connection has been successfully made and you have entered your Username and Password click on the Login button to begin the login process.

Your FirstClass desktop for a different server will appear and you have now successfully logged into a seperate FirstClass server.

If you wish, you can then repeat this procedure to configure FirstClass to connect to other servers in the same manner. You will also find an additional settings file listed for Centrinity, but this is not required to connect to the Open University's servers.

Back to the top >>