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There are several different ways to use Internet message access protocols. I am looking for information on this two protocol pop and imap. Can nay one tell me the difference between pop and imap. Which one is better? Which protocol stores email on mail server and local email client?
POP was designed to support "offline" mail processing. POP is one method used by e-mail programs to retrieve e-mail from the server.SMTP is the same whether you get your mail with POP or IMAP. The important feature of POP is that when you retrieve your mail the messages are moved from the server to the computer you use to check mail.
IMAP was designed to take advantage of the mail’s state in the inbox and to be able to work in “online” mode meaning that the connection between the mail client and the server can be interactive.When you use IMAP you are accessing your inbox on the U of M's central mail server. IMAP can also do offline processing, but its special strength is in online and disconnected operation. In online mode, mail is again delivered to a shared server, but the mail client does not copy it all at once and then delete it from the server.
IMAP can be thought of as a remote file server, POP is the language used in the communication between an email clients and a server. The main difference, as far as we are concerned here, is the way in which IMAP or POP controls your e-mail inbox. POP3 can be thought of as a "store-and-forward" service. Ultimately they both accomplish similar tasks but often one will suit your needs better than the other.
POP sets rules for downloading email messages that are stored on an online hard disk to your local computer hard disk. IMAP lets you keep all of your messages, file attachments and folders synchronized between Web Mail and your email program. POP can create problems if you alternate between it and IMAP. The fact that IMAP gives you both local and server-based copies of each message can help you avoid data loss.
Accessing emails through POP is a simple affair. You only need the username, password and the email server address. IMAP was designed to take advantage of the mail’s state in the inbox and to be able to work in “online” mode meaning that the connection between the mail client and the server can be interactive.