POP3 is an older email protocol that downloads messages from the mail server to a single device and usually deletes them from the server afterward.
Why it matters:
- Useful when you only check email from one computer.
- Keeps messages available even when offline.
- Simple and lightweight, but lacks syncing capabilities.
Pro tip: POP3 can fill up fast or lose messages if not configured to leave copies on the server — IMAP is better for most modern users.
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