Configure server to allow IMAP/mail client access?

[Uplift]

One problem i've always had was connecting to IMAP so i could use an email client within our school network. I always assumed ports are blocked and i don't have full access to the cachepilot to check.. having a bit of free time i contacted the LA to look into it. I have received a reply:

It may also be that you will have to put entries in the local DNS server so the clients can do lookups and resolve the name, or you could do it directly via IP address.

Does this sound about right? if so does anyone know how to do it?

[glennda]

what are you trying to connect to at the other end? Exchange/Live@edu/Google Apps etc?

[Uplift]

Basically trying to setup Outlook on client PCs to connect to a few services;

Fronter Mail (VLE)
Live@Edu
Gmail
Outlook Live (Exchange online i think it is?)

[glennda]

You need to ensure that
1. the mail server has the ability to be connected to via IMAP (and its enabled - not always by default on some systems I think with gmail you have to enable it)
2. you have the web address for the mail server and you can connect on the relevant ports (imap using port 143 (secure585) - smtp port 25 (secure 465) for sending back) You may need to use some form of portscanning (nmap is good) or telenet to the address

[Uplift]

I have confirmed that IMAP is enabled on the services, tried to telnet

imap.fronter.com 993
imap.fronter.com 143
imap.gmail.com 993
imap.gmail.com 143

all failed