The differences between these two types of accounts is very easy to learn.

IMAP is an email protocol used by popular webmail services. Here, all the information about each email that you receive is stored on a server. You access this server either through a web browser or your favorite email program.

The POP3 protocol does things a little bit differently. When you are sent an email to a POP3 account then it is expected that you will download the email to your own computer. Emails are meant to be sent to the server for only a short while. You, the user, will then download the messages to your hard drive.

There are also differences in how mail is stored when it is on an IMAP or POP server. With IMAP, folders can be created on the server. POP3 does not carry this feature, as it expects you to keep separate folders on your own hard drive. When you download each mail from the POP3 server your email program will sort the mail into each local folder.

So, which type of mail is for you? IMAP has the advantage of holding on to all your emails in a central location that can be accessed from anywhere. If you are constantly using different computers, such as one at work and one at home, then IMAP is the way to go. The emails you receive will not be lost when you go from one place to another. POP3 is great for users who use only one computer. If you take your laptop to work, for instance, then downloading emails directly to your hard drive will have no disadvantage.

In the end, it’s a matter of taste. Experiment with both types of email accounts and you will develop a favorite in no time.