imap vs pop3
IMAP (Internet Messaging Access Protocol) vs POP3 (Post Office Protocol) Both POP3 and IMAP are protocols used between mail clients and email servers to access messages. These protocols allow people to use programs like Outlook, Thunderbird, Apple Mail and mobile devices to manage their email. The way these protocols work, however, is very different. POP3 downloads messages off the server to the mail client and can be configured to delete the messages off the server, save them on the server for a specified period of time or leave them indefinitely. IMAP, a newer protocol, synchronizes messages and folders between the mail client and the server which can be especially useful working on multiple computers and devices. IMAP also keeps track of message status and conveniently synchronizes messages as read or unread across all connected computers and devices. While IMAP is generally the preferred protocol, POP3 works just fine for users who only use one machine or for some ...