This protocol works best for people with one email account and one computer. POP3 (Post Office Protocol Version 3) retrieves your email from the provider's server and downloads it onto your computer, allowing you to view email while offline.Įmail messages are then deleted from the server and can only be accessed from that same computer. We'll briefly discuss POP3, IMAP, and Exchange protocols. The webmail hosting provider uses one of these protocols to make that happen.
What exactly are email protocols? Simply stated, an email protocol is a method or system to retrieve or access email.įor example, if you have a webmail account you access from your computer, you'd probably also like to manage your email from an app on your phone. Let's learn about three standard email protocols. Regardless of which type of email account you use, tools and protocols are available that also let you check messages from your phone and other devices. Gmail, Yahoo! Mail, and AOL are examples of popular webmail providers. Opening a webmail account is generally free, and webmail can be accessed from any location with an internet connection. Webmail allows you to directly access your email from the provider's server by signing in to the website that connects to your email account. WebmailĪ webmail account is created online, and messages are sent and received via the internet through a web browser instead of installed software. Microsoft Outlook, Mozilla Thunderbird, and Apple Mail are examples of popular email clients.
They often offer more advanced mailbox management functionality than webmail, and they may integrate more efficiently with other software the company uses. The email client connects to the internet and interacts with the provider's email server to send and receive messages.Įmail clients can be beneficial for businesses. Email clientsĪn email client is a software program installed on your computer to access and manage an email account. You'll need to decide which type is best for you. While webmail appears to be more common, there are benefits to using email clients as well. The 2 Types of Email AccountsĮmail is sent and received through two types of accounts: email clients and webmail. Let's learn some basics about email accounts, and then we'll review the best free email service providers so you can choose the best one for your business. How much storage do you need? Do you need multiple email addresses? How important are security and privacy?ĭon't worry - you've come to the right place to get answers to your burning questions. Here you sit - in front of your computer (or on your mobile) - facing the daunting task of finding the best free email service provider for your business.įirst, take a moment to consider what you'll need from your email service provider.