Email Frequently Asked Questions

Thursday, Mar 13, 2003

1. What is an FAQ?
An FAQ is collection of questions and answers. It stands for "Frequently Asked Questions." It is always good to see if a site has an FAQ that fits your needs or answers your questions before you email the site's administrator.

2. What is Netiquette?
Netiquette is network etiquette. It is the do's and don'ts of online communication. Netiquette covers both common courtesy online and the informal rules of the Internet.

3. What is an ISP?
An ISP is an Internet Service Provider. An ISP connects your computer to the Internet through a modem, DSL, cable modem, or other type of connection. Each ISP will have its own unique settings that allow you to connect to their service and validate yourself. Some ISPs offer other services as well, such as email accounts and web hosting.

4. Is my ISP's email account different from my website's email account?
The answer is usually yes. Your ISP may allow you to have one or more email accounts. Also, you may be able to set up accounts with your website host for yourname@yourwebsite.com.

5. What is POP3?
POP3 stands for Post Office Protocol - Version 3. It is an email protocol that allows you to send and receive email from servers that use POP3. Mail received by a POP3 server is held until you run your email client (Outlook, Outlook Express, etc.). When your email client checks an account it queries the server and downloads any email to your computer. It then deletes the copy from the server leaving only the copy on your local computer.

6. What is IMAP?
IMAP stands for Internet Mail Access Protocol. It is an email protocol that allows you to send and receive email from servers that use IMAP. The difference between IMAP and POP3 is that IMAP does not delete your email from the server when you check your account with your email client. IMAP allows you to view all new and previously received email from different computers.

7. Can you help me connect to the Internet?
Connecting to the Internet is a different issue than connecting to your email. We are not an ISP and we do not offer Internet connection. We recommend that you call your IT department or your ISP tech support for help with this type of problem.