POP3 stands for Post Office Protocol version 3, which is the generally accepted protocol
used for authentication and downloading e-mail.
POP3 service allows clients to check for new incoming messages delivered to their POP3
e-mail accounts. The POP3 server performs two basic but important functions. First, it
authenticates, or verifies, the identity of those trying to access certain POP3 accounts
in the form of a login and password. Secondly, it allows clients to download any new
e-mail they may have in their POP3 account(s). Think of the POP3 server in terms of
your local post office. Just like snail mail, e-mail is routed in a similar fashion. Access
to the mail requires authentication, whether in the form of a lock and key or login
and password. Once authentication is verified, one can obtain any mail that might exist
(in the PO Box or the POP3 account).
Finally, you need to configure your e-mail client so that it knows what POP3 server to
check for new e-mail. This "address" is similar to a unique address you would go to
check your mail at a local post office. The same key would not work for the same box
number in a different city, just like the same login and password would not work for the
same POP3 account on a different POP3 server.
In order to access the correct POP3 server, configure your e-mail client to access the
POP3 (Incoming Mail) Server: mail.your-domain.com.
