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UCSDesktop Client: Zimlets Quick Start Guide

This publication is available in alternative media upon request.Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity, and the diversity of its workforce.

What is a Zimlet?

A Zimlet is a plug-in that adds functionality to the University Collaboration Suite (UCS). This functionality can be provided on the server to benefit all clients. However, users can also add Zimletslocally for direct management in the UCS Desktop client. Please note that any Zimlets installed by a user are not vetted or supported by Penn State. Features that can be added include:

  • Language translation: Communicate across language barriers
  • Sticky notes: Add thoughts and reminders to emails and appointments
  • Google maps: Depict locations graphically
  • Undo Send: Specify a default delay to send email
  • Templates: Save time writing messages with common text

NOTE: Using Zimlets for added functionality requires that you download and install the UCS Desktop client which can be found at

Finding Zimlets

Locating and Downloading Zimlets:

  1. Navigate to
  2. Browse Recent or Popular Zimlets.
  3. Search for Zimlets using the Search Zimbra Gallery field.
  4. Click the Zimlet Name to get detailed information about the Zimlet.
  5. Click the [#] reviews link to get user feedback on the Zimlet.
  6. Click the Download button to save the Zimlet for installation.
  7. Save to Desktop when prompted.

Earlier versions of Zimlets can be found at the bottom of a Zimlet’s detail page.

Installing a Zimlet

  1. Select the Preferences tab.
  1. Select Zimlets from the left navigation.
  2. Scroll to the Install a Zimlet section.
  3. Click the Browse button to the right of the File: field.
  4. Navigate to the file that was downloaded from the Zimlets gallery.
  5. Click the Open button.
  6. Click the UploadFile button.
  7. Restart the UCS Desktop client to apply the Zimlet.

Configure a Zimlet

A Zimlet is generally configured by using itsinterface under the Overview pane in the Zimlets group. Simply click the Zimlet name to see its configuration dialog box. Upon clicking its name, a dialog box opens and provides configuration options.

Figure 1: Installed Zimlet in the Overview pane.

Not all Zimlets are configurable. In some cases, a Zimlet is simply designated as Active or Inactive.If a configurable Zimlet is not listed in the Overview pane, it will use a contextual link or button that is created when the Zimlet is installed.

Use a Zimlet

Because each Zimlet adds a different type of functionality, the way each one is used varies as well. Instructions for the use of an individual Zimlet can be found under its listing in the Zimbra Gallery at

Disable a Zimlet

While it is not possible to uninstall a Zimlet in the web interface, extended functions in this case can be suspended by disabling the Zimlet.

To disable a Zimlet:

  1. Select the Preferences tab.
  1. Uncheck the checkbox to the left of the active Zimlet.
  2. Click the Save button.

Uninstall a Zimlet

You may decide that a Zimlet is no longer needed. In this case, you can remove it from the UCS Desktop client. To remove a Zimlet:

  1. Select the Preferences tab.
  1. Click the Uninstall link to the right of the listed Zimlet under the Action column.
  2. Restart the UCS Desktop client to apply the changes.