[G4] Apple Mail Help

[Frank Sudore]

For some reason I am unable to create new folders and apply rules for  
certain messages. (Such as directing all messages from this list to  
one particular mailbox) Could I have bad preference files?
What I would like are some step by step instructions, I have the  
feeling I am not doing something right. By the way, I am using  .Mac,  
but the SMPT only as the incoming mail server.
I have Comcast broadband and use their gateway to send out .
I appreciate any help.
And to the Major: I mailed the G-4 hardware test discs yesterday.
Frank