A system and method for configuring an Internet-enabled device to communicate
with
an unknown mail server so as to allow the device to send information as e-mail
messages over the Internet using the resources of an Internet service provider
(ISP). Such devices include scanners, multifunction peripherals, and digital cameras.
A configuror program uses predetermined access parameters for the ISP to simplify
the configuration of the device. From an e-mail address specified by the user during
configuration, the configuror determines the mail server name that the device will
use to send e-mail, and downloads the address, along with a portion of the access
parameters and a maximum e-mail message size, to the device. After configuration,
the device can directly connect to the ISP and send e-mail in a stand-alone manner.
If the device is connected to a computer following installation, computer can update
the device for any changes in ISP access, and the device can send e-mail messages
through the computer rather than directly so as to avoid more than one simultaneous
connection to the ISP.
