Calendar
The new METNET Calendar is a free online organizer you can access from any computer connected to the Internet. METNET Calendar will help you manage your schedule, keep track of appointments and tasks, and coordinate with friends.
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Multiple Views: Choose from day, week, month, or year views of your schedule.
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Easy to Print: Printer "friendly" versions available for every view.
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Manage Tasks: One place for all your to-do's. Quickly sort and prioritize tasks, and set reminders for when they are due.
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Personal Reminders: Set up e-mail reminders so you don't miss important meetings or tasks.
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Invite Friends: Plan events with family and friends using invites.
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E-mail safety
METNET has compiled the following tips to help make you a safe, secure and savvy e-mail user:
Change your password often. The quick act of changing your password can ensure your e-mail remains private. In addition, passwords that use both letters and numbers are harder to break.
Don't share your password. Most e-mail administrators will not ask for your password. Do not be duped by malicious e-mails asking you for your password. This is a well-known, although not-too-common trick designed to fool you into sharing your password. As a rule, never share it with anyone.
Never open attachments from unknown sources. They may contain what are known as "letterbombs" or "viruses," which can damage your PC.
Always remember to quit the browser when you are done. It's quick, easy and may save your account from unwanted trespassers. If you are using a public terminal, at an Internet cafe for example, it is advised that you close the browser you were using when you are ready to end your Internet session.
Don't reply to unsolicited messages ("spam") mail, or other harassing or offensive mail. By responding, you only confirm that you are a person with an active e-mail address who can be plagued with constant unwanted e-mail solicitations. Instead, forward the unsolicited message to the customer service department of the source's e-mail (usually of a form similar to abuse@[implicateddomain].com). To help control spam, METNET provides members with "filters" for incoming mail. These can easily be set up to send certain messages (such as those that include certain words) directly to your online trash can.
Make sure that you are using the most up-to-date Internet software (e.g. browsers such as Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator). More recent versions often offer enhanced security protection.
Always use a secure network. Most corporate networks and Internet service providers are protected by administrators who watch for potential security problems and act to protect users from "hackers" (malicious users) who may try to steal personal information that is transferred through the network. Although the risk is small, use caution when on any unfamiliar network. Use stations maintained by sources you trust, or ask if the Internet terminal you are using is protected against security break-ins.
Use common sense when you're on the Internet and maintain a healthy dose of skepticism. Use caution when revealing personal information, such as your physical address, to anyone you meet in cyberspace; even if they claim to be someone of authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is METNET?
METNET (Montana's Education Telecommunications Network) is Montana's largest provider of free Web-based e-mail for Montana teachers. METNET was established by the 1991 Montana Legislature (MCA20-32-101)
The purpose of METNET
The aims of the network are to provide:
(a) instructional and educational coursework and materials through telecommunications delivery to students in kindergarten through 12th grade in the Montana public school system;
(b) instructional and educational coursework and materials through telecommunications delivery to students enrolled in units of the Montana university system and the community colleges;
(c) instructional and professional development or other appropriate inservice training for teachers in the schools of the state; and
(d) telecommunications capabilities to agencies, subdivisions of state government, and public libraries in order to improve their ability to perform their responsibilities and duties.
METNET is based on the premise that e-mail access should be easy and possible from any computer, period. By adhering to the universal Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) standard, METNET eliminates the disparities that exist between different e-mail programs. Sending and receiving e-mail from METNET is as easy as going to the METNET Web site at http://www.METNET.state.mt.us, signing in, and sending an e-mail message. By using a Web browser as a universal e-mail program, METNET brings your personal information to you in a globally-retrievable form.
Even if you don't have Internet access, METNET can be accessed via toll-free numbers by downloading and installing our client software. All you need is a computer and a modem!
How is METNET different than e-mail?
E-mail provided by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) requires the use of a properly configured e-mail program. To access e-mail provided by services such as CompuServe® or America Online®, a member needs proprietary CompuServe or AOL® software. These client/server e-mail systems are inherently limited and closed because they require the use of proprietary client software. E-mail access on these services is not universal, difficult while traveling, and virtually impossible from overseas.
METNET is based on open Web-based technology and conventional modem dial-in technology. The Web browser, which is more universally available than any proprietary e-mail program, is used for e-mail sent from and received by METNET. Web-based METNET is accessible world wide, offers a cross-platform e-mail solution, and is cheaper and easier than using traditional e-mail programs. An additional advantage of METNET is that a member is not required to install any new software other than a Web browser.
If you don't have Internet access, METNET can be accessed via toll-free numbers by downloading and installing our client software. All you need is a computer and a modem!
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How can METNET be free?
METNET is free because it is state supported (MCA20-32-102). METNET will always be a free service for Montana's certificated educators.
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Why is METNET universally accessible?
METNET is a site on the World Wide Web. It is accessible via any Web browser (Microsoft® Internet Explorer; Netscape Navigator™, Opera, etc.) from anywhere around the globe, from any type of computer system, at any hour. Accessing your personal METNET is as simple as going to http://www.METNET.state.mt.us and typing your Sign-In Name and Password.
If you don't have Internet access, METNET can be accessed via toll-free numbers by downloading and installing our client software. All you need is a computer and a modem!
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Can I use METNET anywhere?
Absolutely. You can access METNET from any computer that has a local connection to the World Wide Web. The increased availability of Internet kiosks and public Internet connections in libraries, cafés, airports, and universities makes remote access to METNET easy.
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Can I use the existing Internet software on my computer?
Yes. METNET does not require any proprietary software. You need to have a Web browser installed on your computer and you need access to the Internet. You can have Internet access via an ISP or your company. We recommend using the newest version of Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator for best viewing results.
Configure your current email application to send and retrieve email from METNET
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Why would I use METNET if I already have an e-mail address?
METNET is the one-stop e-mail solution. You can check your e-mail using your Web browser, your current email application or by our client software. Your e-mail is available anytime, anywhere. For example, if you attend college, you may have an e-mail address at school. Do you feel cut off if you can't check your e-mail when you're home on vacation? Use your METNET account!
If you travel, METNET travels with you. Even if you are just separated from your computer, you can use any computer connected to the Internet to check your METNET.
In addition, you can check up to four POP Mail accounts using your METNET account.
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Can I check my school e-mail using METNET?
Yes. If your school POP server resides outside of your school firewall, you can use METNET to access your POP Mail from any where in the world. School employees also enjoy the privacy afforded by the METNET no-hands administration.
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Does METNET have an Address Book?
Yes. METNET has an easy to use method for adding e-mail addresses to your personal Address Book.
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Can I put URLs into my e-mail?
Yes. You can create a link to any valid Web page or e-mail address by typing the complete address (such as http://www.METNET.state.mt.us) in the text box on the message page. METNET automatically creates the link to this address. When the recipient receives your message, the address appears as a link that he/she can click to go directly to the Web site or to send a message.
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Is my e-mail private?
METNET realizes that e-mail is private correspondence between the sender and the recipient. It is METNET's policy to respect the privacy of its members. Therefore, METNET will not monitor, edit, or disclose the contents of a member's private communications unless required to do so by law or in the good faith belief that such action is necessary to: (1) conform to the edicts of the law or comply with legal process served on METNET; (2) protect and defend the rights or property of METNET; or (3) act under exigent circumstances to protect the personal safety of its members or the public.
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Can I attach files to my e-mail messages?
Yes. Even if your Web browser does not support the attachment of files (such as Netscape Navigator 1.x and later, or Microsoft Internet Explorer 2.x or earlier, etc.), you can send attachments using METNET.
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Can I receive attachments at my METNET address?
Yes. Attachments sent to your METNET account can be downloaded to your personal computer by clicking them. GIF and JPEG images and HTML files are automatically displayed in the browser window.
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Can I use METNET as a business address?
No. You may not use your METNET address as your primary business address. If, however, you work for a company with which you have an e-mail address and you want to use your METNET account to send and receive e-mail while away from your computer at work, you are encouraged to do so.
Example of Prohibited Use:
You are an individual who runs a business. You and your employees want to use METNET accounts rather than registering and administering your account through a paid ISP.
Example of Allowed Use:
You are a business person who travels. You have an account with your company (yourname@yourcompany.com). You use your METNET account to read and send solicited messages while you are traveling.
METNET prohibits account sharing. Since METNET is accessible from everywhere in the world, each individual is able to sign up for his or her own personal account. You are encouraged to sign up for an account of your own, to which only you have access. Sharing an account compromises the privacy and security of your e-mail. Each METNET member must have his or her own e-mail account.
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What software do I need to use METNET?
METNET prefers that you use a Web browser that supports graphics and nested tables, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 or later or Netscape Navigator 4.0 or later but is not necessary. For a richer METNET experience, METNET recommends that you use a Web browser that also supports JavaScript™, cookies, and style sheets.
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What if I have problems using METNET?
No problem! METNET has a dedicated staff of Technical Support and Policy Enforcement Representatives. We also have a convenient e-mail address so you can receive answer's to your questions in minutes. Send an e-mail message to AskAdmin@metnet.state.mt.us and we reply with detailed instructions. We also have a help number (406) 444-1626 that is available Monday through Friday 8 to 5 pm mountain time.
You can forward unsolicited, harassing, or threatening messages to AskAdmin@METNET.state.mt.us for immediate action. To receive a prompt response to your concerns, be sure to include a complete, unedited copy of the message, including the full message headers.
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I'm already a METNET member, but I forgot my password. What can I do?
Please call our Help Desk at (406) 444-1626 that is available Monday through Friday 8 to 5 PM mountain time.
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Does METNET sell its membership list?
Absolutely not! METNET keeps all individual member information. METNET does not maintain or sell any e-mail lists.
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How much junk e-mail (aka "spam") will I receive?
METNET does not condone or support the sending of junk e-mail (aka "spam") through our system. The METNET Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) strictly forbids sending unsolicited e-mail and we terminate all reported accounts that are in violation of the AUP. If you do receive unsolicited e-mail, report it to AskAdmin@METNET.state.mt.us. Remember to include a complete copy of the message, including the full message headers.
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Does METNET host personal Web pages or Web sites?
Yes. METNET does host Web pages or Web sites.
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Why does METNET ask for personal information?
If you ever forget your password, you will need to confirm your personal information with one of our Customer Service Representatives to regain access to your account.
Your individual personal data is never disclosed.
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Do I have to have an Internet connection to use METNET?
METNET is a site on the World Wide Web. However, you do not need to have Internet access to use METNET. You can dial into METNET using our client software. Our client software can also be configured to use the Internet.
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How much e-mail storage space do I get with METNET?
METNET currently offers 2MB of storage space. Keep your account below this limit, or METNET may need to remove some messages, and these cannot be recovered. Messages will remain on our server for 30 days then be auto deleted, and these cannot be recovered.
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When will my METNET account be marked "inactive," and what does this mean to me?
Currently, if you do not sign-in to your METNET account for 365 days. Stored e-mail will be deleted, and inbound mail will be refused. To reactivate your account, simply go to http://www.metnet.state.mt.us/memform?Formid=110, and enter another member name, password and Folio number from your Montana teaching certificate. You will then be able to once again send and receive e-mail using METNET.
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