Understanding IMAP
Use of IMAP allows you to access your e-mail account from different locations because your e-mail and folders are stored centrally, on the server. It is required on the more modern ACS mail servers. Using IMAP, you are able to view, manage, and delete your e-mail from any computer with BU's Web-based mail program or with a desktop mail program like Mozilla Thunderbird, OS X Mail, or Outlook. You can also use the text interface, Pine.
Can we use POP instead?
POP is an older e-mail protocol that is less efficient than IMAP and not available for use on the more modern ACS servers. With POP's intended settings, once e-mail
is downloaded from the server, it is no longer available from
any other computer.
Which e-mail programs use IMAP?
Mozilla
Thunderbird, Outlook Express/Windows Mail, Outlook, Entourage, and OS X Mail are all
e-mail programs that use IMAP. BU's
Web-based mail program is also an IMAP mail client.
There are other, untested, freeware, shareware and commercially available e-mail programs that support IMAP. If you choose to use one of them, make sure to define the server settings described in our documentation.
What if I sometimes work off-line?
Most desktop IMAP clients have settings that allow you to access your e-mail while in an "offline" mode.
How do I switch from POP to IMAP?
Instructions for making this change are outlined at www.bu.edu/pcsc/email/manage/poptoimap.html.
