IMAP vs POP3

[LandyMan]

I have always used POP3 for remote e-mail retrieval ... I quickly scanned through wikipedia as well as some google results wrt the difference between the two protocols (IMAP vs POP3). From what I can ascertain, IMAP seems to relate more closely to a "Remote Exchange" type setup than POP3. Is this correct?

 

[wizzard]

Pretty much. IMAP keeps a copy on the server unless the user specifically specifies it to be deleted, where as POP3 deletes once its been downloaded. Thats the simple version and there are other differences (related to connection times/practises), but you get the jist of it.

 

[AirWolf]

Pretty much. IMAP keeps a copy on the server unless the user specifically specifies it to be deleted, where as POP3 deletes once its been downloaded. Thats the simple version and there are other differences (related to connection times/practises), but you get the jist of it.

I think you can still leave a copy on the server even when using a POP3 service. Outlook Express does have the option to leave a copy of you email on the server under the advance tab of your mail account properties.

 

[koffiejunkie]

IMAP allows you to have mail folders, and depending on the server software, can have server side mail filtering (so sort mail into folders, for example).

 

[AirWolf]

Gmail allows you to filter mail into folders called labels and you can still download via POP3 So far I don't any real difference between the 2 mail systems yet

 

[bwana]

Gmail allows you to filter mail into folders called labels and you can still download via POP3 So far I don't any real difference between the 2 mail systems yet

I thought labels only worked when you used the web interface.

A great thing about imap is the synchronisation which is perfect for when when you're working on multiple machines/devices. Everything is on a central server and therefore readily accessible.

 

[koffiejunkie]

Gmail allows you to filter mail into folders called labels and you can still download via POP3 So far I don't any real difference between the 2 mail systems yet

There are two ways in which IMAP servers can give you folders.

1. By really using a subdirectory structure on the server's filesystem.

2. By keeping the mail in one directory or file, and having an index system that gives you the illusion of folders.

Gmail does the latter.

 

[AirWolf]

Any popular email service providers that offer their emails using the IMAP protocol?

 

[koffiejunkie]

Most ISPs do.