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IMAP-POP what's the difference?
- Thread starter gusious
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IMAP. POP3 is a one-way mechanism and cannot synchronise your mailbox between the server and your mail client. IMAP can two-way synchronise all your folders rather than just your Inbox, which means you can access your Sent Items, Drafts, etc. from any mail client or via Webmail with the right provider. You can also use IMAP to keep multiple mail clients synchronised with one account.
IMAP also sends all password information encrypted, so it's more secure than POP3 which sends passwords as clear text.
IMAP also sends all password information encrypted, so it's more secure than POP3 which sends passwords as clear text.
POP will download all your emails to your local HDD, and by default will delete the copies on email server.
IMAP will not delete copies on server, and will not download the whole email until you try to open them. Its safer, accessible on any computer, any OS, anywhere.
The disadvantages of IMAP, AFAIK, is it cause too much stress on the server end. Also You don't have a copy of email on your HDD, so you can't check them without an internet connection.
Not true, in mail.app you can tell it to keep a local copy of your IMAP mail for offline use.
Both IMAP and POP have encrypted and unencrypted versions, what you get depends on what your email provider supports.
But yeah IMAP is generally best if you can get it.
ah, my mistaken, I meant to say "by default". yes, most email clients will allow you to keep copies of emails on an IMAP server.