To use the FirstClass® Client to make the connection to your account, you have to download and install the specific software needed for your particular computer. Taking the time to install and configure this software is the preferred option because it gives you the full functionality of FirstClass® and is much faster and easier to use.

You can download the Client from our web site by following the instructions and the links shown below (Please note that the latest version of the Client won't work with Windows 98 or Mac OS 9.):

If you're using a Windows computer to logon to your account, follow this two-step process:
1. First, you need to download and install the FirstClass® Client by clicking on this link.
2. Next, once you've completed Step 1, download the OPERA Online Settings File (Retirees.Online.fc) by clicking on this link. You can place this file anywhere you wish on your hard drive. Placing it on your desktop makes it easy to find after it has downloaded. (The Settings File contains, among other things, the internet address your computer needs to locate and connect to OPERA Online's server at National Capital Freenet at Carleton University.)

If you're using a Macintosh computer to logon to your account, follow this two-step process:
1. First, you need to download and install the version of the FirstClass® Client that is compatible with the System Software you're using on your computer by clicking on this link.
2. Next, once you've completed Step 1, download the OPERA Online Settings File (Retirees.Online.fc) by clicking on this link. You can place this file anywhere you wish on your hard drive. Placing it on your desktop makes it easy to find after it has downloaded. (The Settings File contains, among other things, the internet address your computer needs to locate and connect to OPERA Online's server at National Capital Freenet at Carleton University.)

This is the method to use to connect to your OPERA Online account when you're using a computer that has a web browser (i.e. Internet Explorer) and also has a connection to the internet, but does not have FirstClass® software installed. Although this method is less user-friendly and provides many fewer features than found in the FirstClass® Client, it is, nevertheless, a very useful way of logging on to check your e-mail, especially when you are travelling.

No specialized software installation is required for this method. All you need is a connection to the internet with a browser installed (i.e. Explorer or Safari).