A reference guide that outlines what email is, how it functions on the Internet, and what the lifecycle is from sending to receiving.
Email, short for electronic mail, is a widely used method of exchanging digital messages over the Internet. It enables individuals and organizations to send and receive messages containing text, attachments, or multimedia content through email addresses.
Developed as a digital alternative to traditional mail, email allows for swift communication across vast distances. Users typically access their email accounts through specialized software or web-based platforms, and messages are transmitted between servers using the Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP).
Email has become an integral part of personal and professional communication, facilitating quick and efficient correspondence globally.
Email Lifecycle
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MUA (Mail User Agent)
- Also referred to as an email client
- A computer application that allows the sending and receiving of emails
TIP: For examples of mail user agents, please see Using Webmail vs Email Client.
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MDA (Mail Delivery Agent)
- A server program that receives mail from the server's MTA and stores it in the mailbox
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MTA (Mail Transfer Agent)
- Also referred to as a message transfer agent, mail server, or mail exchanger (MX)
- A computer program or software agent that sends and receives email messages from one computer to another computer
Email Limits and Reputations
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Email Protocols
- IMAP and POP3 are protocols to interface software into a mail server
- SMTP is used to send emails
- Email Limitations
- Email deliverability
- Dependent on email authentication records being configured
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Spam Filters
- Available on all plans