E-Mail Protocols
POP3 - 'Post Office Protocol' (Version 3)
The most common way that users access their email is through the POP3 protocol. When a user checks for new email messages
using POP3, the messages are downloaded to the user's local computer and into the email client of their choice. In most
cases, the default action is to then remove the messages from the mail server. This is the preferred method for those
usersd who have limited disk space quotas on their email provider's mail servers or those who don't want to store email
messages online.
Many e-mail clients, like Microsoft Outlook and Mozilla Thunderbird, allow users to leave mail messages on their e-mail
provider's mail servers, even after the messages have been downloaded to the user's local computer. Users who want to
download their messages to their local computer, but also want to access their messages online via webmail, this option
provides the most flexibility.
IMAP4 - 'Internet Message Access Protocol' (Version 4)
IMAP is another popular protocol for accessing email messages. With IMAP, instead of downloading new messages to the user's
local computer, the messages continue to be stored on the mail server. When users access their email through an email client
such as Microsoft Outlook or Mozilla Thunderbird, they are working directly with the messages stored on their mail server.
For example, when an IMAP user composes and sends a new email message, that message will be stored in the Sent folder, which
is stored on the mail server.
IMAP is a convenient option for users who need to access their email online from multiple computers and locations—but
prefer to use email client software instead of webmail. Because all messages—including sent messages, drafts, and
messages stored in mail folders—are stored on the mail server, they are accessible from any Internet-enabled computer
with pre-configured email client software. IMAP can also be useful for wireless email users who need access to their email
with their wireless device, but do not want to overload their device's memory by downloading and storing messages locally.
SMTP - 'Simple Mail Transfer Protocol'
SMTP is the standard that defines how email messages are sent from a mail server. To help prevent the growing proliferation
of spam, which is often routed through unprotected or "Open Relay" servers, many service providers now require SMTP
Authentication. SMTP Authentication allows users to send email only if their mailbox belongs to the service provider's
system.
SSL - 'Secure Socket Layer'
Secure Socket Layer (SSL) is the industry standard protocol for secure, web-based communication between different servers.
SSL is used by e-commerce websites to enable secure transactions between customers and suppliers, especially when handling
credit card information. We use SSL to provide customers with secure webmail, POP3, IMAP4, and SMTP email access. We also
use SSL to ensure the security of sensitive customer information when signing up for email hosting services and in the
control panel when managing that account information.
WAP - 'Wireless Access Protocol'
Wireless Access Protocol is a protocol that allows users to access online information and email instantly via handheld
wireless devices, such as mobile phones, pagers, and PDAs.
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