Step 1: Reading POP Mail

Mail arrives at your incoming mail server and is stored there until you read it. One way of getting mail from the server is to use an email program like Eudora or Outlook Express to check for incoming mail. This method is called POP mail, short for post office protocol. You may keep the messages as long as you like. And you can read them and compose replies without being connected to the Internet.

Step 2: Scheduling Downloads

Dialup Internet users connect to the Internet, check their email, look at any web sites of interest, and disconnect. They may check their mail this way many times a day, or they may go several days without checking the mail. Instead of dialup accounts, many people are getting constant dedicated Internet connections, such as cable modem or DSL. For these users, POP mail programs may be set up to check for new mail on a schedule.

Step 3: Reading Web-Based Mail

An alternative to POP mail is web-based mail, which does not require an email program. Instead, the user connects to the Internet with a web browser like Netscape or Internet Explorer and connects to a web site to read, reply, and send. The messages are never downloaded to the user's local machine.

Step 4: Choose Your Method

POP mail programs like Eudora are popular because of the ability to read and compose mail messages offline; that is, while not connected to the Internet. An advantage of web-based mail is that people who use multiple computers can access their messages from any unit. Also, many free email providers offer web-based mail accounts only, because they are supported by ads that appear on the mail-reading web sites.