IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) and POP (Post Office Protocol) are different protocols for handling e-mail. Each has its own unique function and purpose. Protocol allows IMAP to deal with e-mail in a different way than POP does.

POP is basically a flow through entity—it just passes on the information to you at your e-mail program. When the POP e-mail server receives e-mail it stores it on the server until you to request it. By simply opening your email program (e.g., Outlook) you request the e-mail from the server by pressing the “Send” or “Receive” button. The e-mail program in essence asks the server if there is any mail waiting. If there is, it tells the server to send it to you.

IMAP on the other hand, is interactive with your e-mail program. It allows you to download e-mails from the server to your e-mail program the same as POP does. However, the difference is that when you request your e-mail from the server it sends a copy rather than sending the entire e-mail. It keeps a copy of the e-mail on the server while simultaneously keeping a copy on your computer.