IMAP or POP3 settings - what do I choose?

spookmeister

I have just changed my ISP and I have the option of setting up either (or both) of the mail protocols but which one do I choose.

Advice welcomed please.

S.

weegie.geek

IMAP's better IMO. Depends how much space the ISP gives you. If space is low, choose pop and set it to delete emails once they're downloaded.

IMAP is a lot more flexible with regards to sorting your emails on the server into folders, and being able to access it from multiple places, and still have it sorted.

edit: of course, I should probably suggest that you don't use ISP email at all, because if and when you go to change ISP, it's a pain in the !!!! to change your email address with everyone, and with 99% of ISPs, your emails disappear when you leave them.

Use Gmail, and optionally spend a few quid a year to have your own domain for email.

Marley06

If you intend on accessing your email from multiple locations (Webmail or Mobile Device) as well as email client, IMAP will be the best option - as it will keep your folders up to date and in sync.

If you access your email through an email client only, POP3 is probably a better option, it downloads a copy of the message of your pc, so it's easily searchable. This option isn't reccomended for those who access mail through more than one interface, as read and unread mail doesn't stay in sync.

and in all honesty, you're better off finding an independant emaik provider (so you don't lose your mail if you change ISP's!) Gmail is excellent, IMO.

I hope this helps!

Lynden