Pure Binary

You might have used or being using POP3 mail service through which you can access contents of your email even when you are offline. You can download your messages from the mail servers to your PC whenever you are connected to the internet. Software like Microsoft Outlook Express, Apple Mail, Microsoft Office Outlook etc are quite popular which lets you access your mail while offline. POP3 stands for Post Office Protocol. There is a similar service known as IMAP i.e. Internet Message Access Protocol which lets you download messages from mail servers onto your computer with the same software as in case POP3. But then the question arises that “Which is better, POP3 or IMAP? And how do they differ?”.

Let me answer it in simple way. IMAP creates a constant connection between mail server and mail clients which can be your PC or devices such as mobile. IMAP establishes 2-way communication between your email client and your web mail. Unlike in case of POP3 when you log into your email account i.e. through a browser on PC or mobile and perform some activities such as moving messages etc, it will automatically be shown in your email account. For example you move a massage to folder “Friends”, and then if you sign in next time via browser you will see the same change there also. Moreover, IMAP provides an efficient method to access your mail from multiple devices. In POP mail there is a risk of loosing messages. I have sometimes faced problems like downloading the same messages multiple times. If you have not used any of them then I would suggest IMAP whenever you would use in future.

One more issue with POP3 and IMAP is that most of the mail servers like Yahoomail charge for these services. But no need to panic as there are some mail servers like Gmail, Zapakmail etc which offer POP3 for free. Gmail also offers IMAP for free. So if you have a Gmail account you can use these services.

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