Internet E-mail, 2 types. Which type do you have? Which is right for you?
1) "Server-side"
2) "Client-side"
Features, pros and cons
| 1) Server-side E-mail | 2) Client-side E-mail |
|
With Server side E-mail, your mail resides on a remote computer (or server) somewhere out on the Internet. When you view a list of your mail, various folders that contain mail, address books, and when you read mail, it is all on the remote server. When you create new mail, you are basically filling in a form that gets sent off to the remote server, which forwards the message to its destination. Yahoo, MyWay and Hotmail, for example, use Server side E-mail. If you can access your account and send and receive Email from any PC with an internet connection, you have this kind of Email. |
With Client side E-mail, your mail is retrieved, usually from your Internet Service Provider's mail server and comes into your computer where is resides in folders in your E-mail program, such as Microsoft Outlook, Netscape Messenger, or Eudora. Your mail lists, folders and address book are on your computer. When you create new message, it goes out of your PC to your Provider's mail server and from there to its destination. If you can send and receive Email only from your home or office PC, you have this kind of Email. |
||
|
Pros You can access your E-mail from any computer that connects to the Internet. No mail server configuration needed. Better protected against computer virus attacks, both incoming and outgoing. Some Server side providers can easily synch address book with Palm or other handheld device. Some Server side providers can send email to your cell phone. Yahoo, Myway, etc., have 'Bulk' folder to keep spam separate from Inbox. You can set up many Email accounts, for a large family or group, for example. |
Cons Need to be on line to read old mail. Email provider may limit daily outgoing messages. Can not click on an E-mail link, must go to your Email and Copy/Paste or enter address. Can connect only to Email provider’s News Groups |
Pros Space for E-mail is limited only by hard drive size. Can click on an E-mail link, your Email Client (Outlook Express, e.g.) will launch and go to New Mail screen. Email content perceived as more secure. Some ISPs may allow unlimited outgoing emails. Old mail can be read off line. ISP may provide 'Web Mail', where new messages, writing emails, can be done from any PC with an Internet connection. Can connect to all News Groups |
Cons Accessible only from your computer. Outgoing (SMTP) and Incoming (POP3) server information must be configured in your E-mail program. More susceptible to computer virus attacks. May be limited to 4 or 5 Email account with your ISP. |