In the realm of email protocols, POP3 and IMAP each offer distinct advantages and catering to different user needs. While both facilitate the exchange of emails between servers and clients, they operate in different ways, impacting how users access and manage their email accounts.

POP3 (Post Office Protocol 3):

POP3, standing for Post Office Protocol version 3, is one of the oldest email retrieval protocols. It operates by downloading emails from the server to the client device, typically a computer or a mobile device. Once downloaded, the emails are usually deleted from the server, although some configurations allow users to leave copies on the server.

Key characteristics of POP3 include:

1. Offline Access: POP3 is primarily designed for offline access. Once emails are downloaded onto the client device, users can access them without an internet connection.
2. Storage Management: Since emails are downloaded and removed from the server by default, POP3 is ideal for users with limited server storage or those who prefer managing their emails locally.
3. Limited Synchronisation: POP3 lacks synchronisation features, meaning actions taken on one device (such as marking an email as read) may not reflect on other devices accessing the same email account.

IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol):

On the other hand, IMAP, which stands for Internet Message Access Protocol, offers a more dynamic approach to email management. Unlike POP3, IMAP keeps emails stored on the server and synchronises them with multiple devices.

Key characteristics of IMAP include:

1. Server-Side Storage: IMAP stores emails on the server, allowing users to access their messages from any device connected to the internet. This ensures consistency across multiple devices.
2. Real-Time Synchronisation: IMAP synchronises actions performed on emails across all devices in real-time. For example, marking an email as read on one device will immediately reflect on all other devices accessing the same email account.
3. Flexible Folder Management: IMAP supports the creation of folders and subfolders on the server, enabling users to organise their emails efficiently.

Choosing Between POP3 and IMAP:

The choice between POP3 and IMAP depends on individual preferences and requirements. If offline access and local storage management are priorities, POP3 might be the preferred option. Conversely, for users who value real-time synchronisation across multiple devices and server-based storage, IMAP offers a more suitable solution.

In conclusion, while both POP3 and IMAP serve the fundamental purpose of email retrieval, their operational disparities make them better suited for different user scenarios. Understanding these differences empowers users to select the protocol that aligns best with their needs, ensuring a seamless email experience.

To use Roundcube Webmail through a web browser (such as Google Chrome, Edge, etc.), either click the link below or open a new browser window. Then, type or copy and paste the following into the address bar at the very top (not the search bar in the center):

https://webmail.webmailhost.co.uk

Enter your username: your full email address

Enter your password.

If you require a password reset, please inform me promptly.

Once logged in you can if you wish change your password, create folders to store your emails, update your address book etc. Always remember to log out after you have finished using it using the red logout link in the bottom left corner.

You have a generous amount of space within your email box (5gb as standard) however, it is a good idea to clear out and delete any old mail, spam periodically to keep the box running efficiently.

Roundcube

To export contacts (back up your address book) from Roundcube, follow these steps:

1. Log in to Roundcube.
2. Click Contacts.
3. Click the down arrow next to Export.
4. Click one of the following:
   • To export all of your contacts, click Export all.
   • To export only the currently selected contact, click Export selected.
5. Save the VCF file on your local computer.

To import contacts (from the back up of your address book) follow these steps:

1. Log in to Roundcube.
2. Click Contacts.
3. Click the Import icon.
4. Click Choose Files, and then select the file to import.
5. To replace the existing address book contacts, select theReplace the entire address bookcheck box.
6. Click Import. Roundcube imports the contacts file.

It is a good idea to do this periodically to ensure you save your data, especially useful during a server migration.

(make sure you have your domain email password to hand before you begin – replace yourdomain.co.uk below with your own domain)

From a desktop/laptop… Open up gmail > click settings gearwheel (top right) > ‘See all settings’ > Accounts and Import >

Scroll down to Send Mail as: and click ‘edit info’ next to the email address you need to update. In the pop up window, click ‘Next Step’ change the SMTP server to:

yourdomain.co.uk Port 465 & enable the top radio button (secured connection using SSL) > click ‘Save Changes’ & the window will close.

Now scroll down to the heading:

Check mail from other accounts: > click’edit info’ next to the email address you need to update > enter your password > Change POP Server to:

yourdomain.co.uk port 995 & enable the box ‘Always use a secure connection (SSL) when retrieving mail. (you may check the other boxes if you choose – optional) > Click Save Changes. The window will close and your settings are now updated.

Here is an example of my account as an idea of what your screen should look like.

(make sure you have your domain email password to hand before you begin – replace yourdomain.co.uk below with your own domain)

In your mail app, tap the hamburger menu (three horizontal lines) on the left side.

Then tap the settings cogwheel at the top.

Select the email account you wish to change. Then, scroll to the bottom and tap Server settings. Here is where you can update incoming/outgoing server names, ports, passwords and authentication settings.

Please fill in your password in the fields, even if it looks like its already there or says optional, you must type it in!

Your screen should look like the image below.
Be sure to click Done when finished!

Send a test message out to another one of your non-domain related accounts (such as gmail etc) and send it back again to make sure you are both able to send and receive mail ok.

Having issues?

Our support on issues using this software is limited – we’re happy to verify you’ve put everything in the right place. Please email us with screenshots of the configurations you applied as per this article and we will let you know if anything has been missed.

(make sure you have your domain email password to hand before you begin – replace yourdomain.co.uk below with your own domain)

Go to Settings  > Mail > Accounts > tap on your email account > tap on the email address at the top > this screen will contain your imap information.

INCOMING MAIL SERVER

Host Name: yourdomain.co.uk

Username: your email address

Password: (your password)

OUTGOING MAIL SERVER

SMTP (this should say your domain name to the right – tap on it) > PRIMARY SERVER On (tap on it) >

OUTGOING MAIL SERVER

Host name: yourdomain.co.uk

Password: (your password)

Use SSL – Enable toggle to the right

Authentication Password

Server Port 587

Click Done

(Your screen should look like this below)

Our web host has a planned server migration on Wednesday 6th March 2024. It won’t affect your website, however, if you’re still using the cloud304.thundercloud.uk incoming and outgoing mail server settings on your email account, they will need to be updated.

They are being swapped over to cloud327.thundercloud.uk so you can either wait until the day and update the incoming and outgoing mail server settings to this on the 6th March, or you can update them anytime between now and 6th March to:

yourdomain.co.uk

(IMPORTANT: make sure you have your domain email password to hand before you begin – replace yourdomain.co.uk below with your own domain)

1. Open up your mail on windows

2. Click the little blue settings gearwheel cog icon (right bottom menu)

3. Manage accounts (from far top right menu)

4. Tap on your email address i.e. you@yourdomain.co.uk

5. Click ‘Change mailbox sync settings’ – Options for syncing your content

6. Click ‘Advanced mailbox settings’ – incoming and outgoing mail server info

7. Change the incoming mail server to:

yourdomain.co.uk

Change the outgoing email server to:

yourdomain.co.uk

Make sure all 4 boxes underneath are checked blue and click Done, Save. (see screenshot below)

You may now notice there is a triangle warning in the left side of the email address you have just changed. Click on this and enter your email password into the box and click save.  This will complete the process. Also, depending on your frequency settings, you may need to allow your box a little time to fully sync.

Make sure it is working by sending an email out to any other email address and when received, send it back again.

You will need to then repeat this process on any other devices and machines you use this email address for.  Please make sure it is working fully on each device before attempting to change it on another.

If you have more than one email address, repeat the process.