Mail: What is "Take Account Online" (novice)

[ICEBreaker]

Dear Mail users,

I am setting up the Mail program and am confronted by whether to "take account online". I've been an email user since the late 80s and have come across many different mail setups from Pine to Pegasus but have never heard of this terminology. The Help info simply explains HOW to take accounts online, but not WHAT it is. Google tells me all Mac users already know what it is. Seems like I am the only one who doesn't understand this simple term (perhaps because I don't use Outlook or other popular clients).

Can someone please enlighten me?!

Thanks for your assistance.
JC

 

[72930]

It means "let Mail use this to send/recieve e-mails"

 

[ICEBreaker]

Oh! Thanks! I am just more used to "enable/disable". Ha ha ha.

 

[Lyrinda]

How to "take account online"?

I have a G5 iMac with Mac OS 10.3.9 and Mail Version 1.3.11. Recently when I open my Mail program I have been unable to open messages. Instead of my message content the following notice is displayed:
The message from "Mac-Forums.com" <webmaster@mac-forums.com> concerning “Action Required to Activate Membership for Mac-Forums.com” has not been downloaded from the server. You need to take this account online in order to download it. I have been unable to find any command or button that tells me how to "take this account online" - in spite of numerous searches of this and other forums. I have no such "button" in my Mail or Setup preferences. Please help as I cannot read my mail. Thank you.

 

[ICEBreaker]

Unfortunately, I am using Mail 3, and so am unable to help you. In my case, the "Take Account Online" option is located on the Mailbox menu (see attached image). Alternatively, you can right click on the INBOX and select to take accounts online from there. Needless to say, this is possible only after you have set up your mail accounts. Hope this helps.