What is a Mail Server?

A mail server is a computer system that sends and receives emails. Each time an email is sent, it actually goes through a series of servers before it reaches its final destination of the email recipient’s inbox. It’s quite a complex process, even though emails are sent rather quickly. 

Mail servers are built to run as efficiently and quickly as possible and are composed of a series of protocols and processes. Most of the time, the email server is usually a computer that is made up of different applications and/or services. 

How It Works

For any system to function, it needs software. There must be mail server software available that can be used to create accounts for any domains that are needed. Another thing that is needed for it to work properly, is protocols. Basically what these are, are rules set up within the network that allows you to do different things like send an email. The ones for mail are as follows:

SMTP: 

This protocol is specifically in charge of handling email requests. The acronym stands for Simple Mail Transfer Protocol. You can remember this easily by dubbing it as the outgoing mail server. It’s the one that moves emails across networks that makes it able to reach its recipient. 

POP or IMAP:

You guessed it. The incoming mail server or Post Office Protocol. This protocol’s job is to gather Inbox content from a computer’s hard drive. It also gives the ability to download emails and view them offline. 

In the end, our emails solely rely on the successful function of software and protocols. Both of these have to work concurrently in order for our email inboxes.

Need a deeper dive into servers? Thinline Technologies has a team of knowledgeable employees who can help with this and more. We can be there for you every step of the way to answer any questions you may have. Head over to our website at thinlinetech.com if you need assistance with updating or any other technological help you may need.