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POP Vs IMAP

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I know that IMAP has two way communication but what advantages does it have over POP?

Do you have to click "get emails" to check for any new ones or does it do it all auto?

One thing i find with using an email client is that it also downloads all the junk mail thats in gmails junk folder and the contact list is stored locally so i cant access my address book when im somewhere ele
 
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The main advantage that IMAP has over POP3 is the ability to leave your mail on the server allowing you to check and manage e-mail from different machines and e-mail clients.

I guess whether you have to click "get emails" depends upon how you configure your e-mail client. In Mail.app, there is a checkbox "Include this account when automatically checking for new mail". If unchecked, you'd probably have to click "get mail".
 
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A related advantage is that if you receive and forward large attachments, those attachments don't first get downloaded to your Mac, then uploaded again when you forward them. They remain on the server and just get sent right form there. This behavior makes IMAP a great protocol for mobile devices as well.
 
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This is really helpful for people who have email apps on multiple machines. For example, if you have your Mac and an iPhone you don't have to download all your messages onto each and making changes directly to the server means each will stay automatically updated which saves time for you. I'm so glad Gmail went to IMAP so now all of my email accounts are IMAP.
 

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