Supporting Messaging Clients

Understanding the POP3 Protocol


POP3 is an Internet protocol that allows a POP3 client to download mail from a server. This protocol works well for computers that are unable to maintain a continuous connection to a server.

Unlike Internet Message Access Protocol version 4 (IMAP4), POP3 does not allow users to manipulate messages on the server. Mail is simply downloaded to the client where messages are managed. POP3 provides access only to a user's Inbox; it does not support access to public folders.