DRH Internet Inc. Website hosting technical support library

What is POP?

POP is short for Post Office Protocol. It is one method of delivering mail from the server (@yourhost.com) to the user (you@). POP requires a mail client such as Outlook, Netscape, or Eudora. Also, some web based mail clients, such as Hotmail.com have the ability to access POP mail accounts.

Quick Guide (non-client specific)

If you already know how to use your email client, simply enter www.yourname.com not email.yourname.com as your SMTP and POP servers. If you are a unix user, enter that username for your POP username, if you are an email only user, enter a plus sign (+) followed by that username.

Setting up POP with Netscape:

In Netscape, go to the Preferences (Edit -> Preferences), then select Mail & News (Tab view in older version, Tree view in newer). Select the sub heading 'Mail Servers' and click 'Add'. You will be asked for the server name, type, and username. The server name is yourhost.whatever (the part after the '@'), the type is POP and the username is the same as your unix user or the Email user username set up by you or your administrator (if the user is Email only there must be a + at the beginning of the username).

Setting up POP in Outlook:

In Outlook, go to the Account Manager (Tools -> Accounts), then click Add -> Mail. A wizard windows will pop up and ask you for you display name, you should enter your real name, or the name you want to go by. Next, you will see a screen asking you if you have an existing email address, or want to sign up for hotmail, select existing address and enter yourname@yourhost.whatever. Next, you will be asked for information about the server. The server is a POP3 server and the incoming and outgoing mail domain is yourhost.whatever Next you will be ask for you user name and password. These will be the same you unix user, or the Email user username and password set up by you or your administrator (if the user is Email only there must be a + at the beginning of the username).

Setting up POP in Eudora: (not yet written)

Setting up POP in Hotmail, or other web based clients:

Once you have logged in, find the tab or item marked options. Then find POP mail. In ther first blank pop acount enter your server name, username, and password. Leave the timeout at 90 and the port at 110. If this is the only way you will be viewing you mail be sure you uncheck "leave messages on server".