What is an email?

Email is a way of sending and receiving messages electronically via a computer.

A client is a software, like Mozilla Thunderbird, on a computer connected to the internet, where you can send and receive any emails.

When an email is sent, the message is kept in a server of someone´s email client.

POP3 Vs IMAP4

POP3 (Post Office Protocol) servers only send the email to one place (i.e. desktop, phone or laptop) and will then download the file.

Whereas IMAP4 (Internet Message Access Protocol) sends a copy of the email to all network places so you can view the email from anywhere and it will appear read in all places.

Emails are able to be sent whether the receiver is online or not, and so when they log in to email they are able to retrieve the email.

There are still disadvantages to email though. You can develop viruses from some emails, if someone was to send you a file from their computer which had a virus on it, the virus could pass onto your computer and delete your files.

Spamming is also a very common thing when it comes to email. Messages from soliciting companies giving you offers are regularly sent to your email account.