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What does IMAP mean?


IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) is an advanced protocol for sending and
receiving e-mail. It is a method of accessing e-mail messages which are stored on a
mail server. E-mail stored on an IMAP server can be manipulated using an e-mail
client like Outlook or Eudora from different computers without the need to transfer
messages or files back and forth between the computers. This is possible because
the messages are stored on the server, unlike POP3, where messages must be
downloaded to your computer's hard drive before reading.

A strong advantage of IMAP over POP3 is the ability for users to set up IMAP folders
on the server. Incoming mail can then be organized into the correct folder. This is
especially helpful if the IMAP e-mail account is shared by more than one user.

Please note: It is not possible to set up automatic filter rules on the server.
This means you have to use your e-mail client program to sort your e-mail.

Find out more...
What information is required to set up e-mail clients for IMAP?
How do I create a new e-mail account?


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