[access-uk] Re: IMAP AND/OR POP3

  • From: "Ibrahim Gucukoglu" <ibrahim_gucukoglu@xxxxxxxx>
  • To: <access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
  • Date: Wed, 4 Mar 2009 10:53:09 -0000

Hi Carol.

Basically, if you use imap, your mail remains on the server at the mail 
provider until you move, delete or otherwise manipulate it.  Therefore, any 
device whether it be phone, computer or web interface can see the messages in 
your inbox.  Any changes you make to the messages in your inbox or other 
folders will be reflected in all your applications.  Pop was an old protocol 
for use in the pre broadband age where people would use dialup to access the 
internet.  Messages would be downloaded to your computer and then deleted from 
the mail server so once on your computer, you would only be able to access them 
from there.  Simply put, if you only use one computer to access the internet 
and don't often access your mail from public computers or your phone, your 
probably OK with pop3 so long as you remember to back up your mail folders 
containing your important mail in case of computer failure.  If you want your 
emails stored server side where all your devices and computers can access them, 
you'll have to configure imap.

I hope this explains things for you.


  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Carol Pearson 
  To: access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx 
  Sent: Wednesday, March 04, 2009 10:30 AM
  Subject: [access-uk] Re: IMAP AND/OR POP3


  OK, Ibrahim, that was a good little list!

  I just don't understand how useful it will be to see email in real time.  For 
example, how I will be able to move it into folders and/or look it up.  Is it 
really the case that somehow you can see the folders in your home Outlook 
Express, or is this just meant for mail which you usually use on the WEB?  (I 
think the latter, but the former would be jolly useful sometimes!)

  If you're able to clarify this point it would be good and meantime I'll check 
whether I can use IMAP for all my accounts.  I know you can with Google but 
have to check out NTL as well.

  --
  Carol
  carol.pearson29@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

  ---- Original Message ----
  From: Ibrahim Gucukoglu
  To: access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
  Sent: Wednesday, March 04, 2009 4:35 AM
  Subject: [access-uk] Re: IMAP AND/OR POP3

  > Hi Carol.
  > 
  > Take a look at this information I pulled from my mail provider's
  > frequently asked questions.  I believe it covers most of the reasons
  > and differences between the two protocols.  You'll have to find out
  > whether imap is provided with your email service, as some only
  > provide pop access.    
  > 
  > POP is a very simple protocol that only allows downloading of
  > messages from your Inbox to your local computer. Generally, once
  > transferred, the email is then on your local computer and is removed
  > from your mail server (it is possible to leave them on the server,
  > but they all stay in the Inbox).    
  > IMAP is a much more advanced protocol that allows you to see all your
  > folders on the mail server , and quickly view subjects and message
  > bodies of emails, but delay downloading of larger emails (such as
  > those with attachments) to a later time if you want. IMAP also allows
  > you to synchronise mail folders between your home machine and on the
  > web, so that you see the same folders and messages wherever and
  > however you access your email.      
  > IMAPPOP
  > FlexibilityCan view just message headers, and then choose which
  > messages to downloadHave to download all messages at once 
  > Can delete/move a message without having to download itHave to
  > download all messages 
  > Can download just text body of a messageHave to download entire
  > message (including any large attachments) 
  > SynchronisationCan view messages in all foldersCan only download
  > messages from Inbox 
  > Any changes made via web interface or email software (eg move
  > message, add flags, etc) appears in the other automaticallyOnce
  > downloaded, changes only made on local email software  
  > Can access messages both at home/work, and on the road through the
  > web interfaceOnce downloaded, can only access messages at home/work 
  > SafetyAll messages kept on FastMail.FM servers, including realtime
  > replication to a backup server, and nightly incremental backups of
  > all emails to yet another server kept for 1 weekOnce downloaded, copy
  > only exists on your local computer, if it crashes, email is lost (it
  > is possible to leave messages on the server, but all messages stay in
  > the Inbox)     
  > 
  > To understand the power and usefulness of IMAP, we recommend you look
  > through the following example usage scenario using Outlook Express. 
  > 
  > If you feel you need further help or explanation, please feel free to
  > email me privately and I'll be happy to talk to you by phone about
  > the options and benefits open to you.  
  > 
  > ----- Original Message -----
  > From: Carol Pearson
  > To: Access UK Mailing List
  > Sent: Tuesday, March 03, 2009 4:48 PM
  > Subject: [access-uk] IMAP AND/OR POP3
  > 
  > 
  > Hi all,
  > 
  > Having decided to take some email on my phone, I am wanting to
  > understand more about the differences I will experience if I decide
  > to use IMAP as opposed to POP3 for my NTL and Googlemail accounts.  
  > 
  > I understand, basically, that it's reckoned that IMAP is more stable
  > (not giving extra copies of mail where this sometimes occurs with
  > POP3), but I need to know more specifically how this will affect my
  > day to day working.  I don't use Google online but still much prefer
  > to download to Outlook Express.  In the case of POP3, everything
  > comes into my In-box unless I specify to the contrary.  Will this be
  > the same with my Outlook Express if using IMAP?      
  > 
  > Do I need to set my phone and computer(s) all to use IMAP to get
  > everything working correctly? 
  > 
  > Thanks for anything that you can offer on this.

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