New messages in the dashboard

[holmesmail]

Sorry if I'm repeating a previously posted question, but I couldn't find one.
In the top right corner of the dashboard there is a "New Message" button, when I click on it I see what looks like tickets (some are phone tickets).
What is the difference between the tickets listed in the "New Message" page and the ones listed on the dashboard?
Just a quick explanation on what this button is used for would be helpful, as I didn't find much about it in the pdf guide.

[holmesmail]

Also, how do you mark the messages as 'read'? Even if I read them, they are still marked as new.

[jojo]

Please fill your signature with OTRS Version and Operating System

[crythias]

Items that are new remain new until an action has occurred to them, most always involving locking the ticket.

[holmesmail]

Thanks crythias