[Wolves] Is IMAP better than POP?

[Alex Willmer]

Dave Morley wrote:
> Is IMAP better than POP and if so why please?
>   
I'll throw in my 2p.

IMAP: Mail is stored in folders on server, mail can be accessed from
anywhere and stays in sync. Filtering and sorting are done server side,
typically by writing a procmail script. Protocol is best suited to a low
latency connection. Supported by a small number of providers.

POP3: Mail is queued on server for collection in a single mailbox,
typically downloaded to  a single client for reading and archiving.
Filtering and sorting are done on client, using features of client
software. Protocol is better suited to slow links such as dialup or
GPRS. Supported everywhere.

IMAP is better if you can get it, especially if webmail is available
also. Procmail takes some learning. There is a protocol called sieve,
for the mail client to specify filterng rules on the server but I've
never seen it deployed. Try to get a provider in the UK, to avoid
trans-atlantic round trip times.

POP3 can be made to work on multiple PCs, to an extent. By not deleting
messages from the server on download, it can be treated as a poor man's
IMAP. However emails will be incorrectly (un)marked as read.

I'm taking bets on how long it takes for MailDAV to become trendy. A
single http url for calendar contacts and email does make a certain
amount of sense.

Alex