Sähköpostiasiakas

Sähköpostiasiakas, also known as an email client, is a software application or web-based service used to access and manage email. It allows users to send, receive, compose, and organize electronic messages. Common functionalities include composing new emails, replying to existing ones, forwarding messages, and attaching files. Email clients also typically offer features for managing contacts, organizing emails into folders, and searching for specific messages.

There are two main types of email clients. Desktop email clients are installed directly on a user's computer, such as Microsoft Outlook, Mozilla Thunderbird, or Apple Mail. These clients often download emails to the local device, allowing for offline access. Web-based email clients, on the other hand, are accessed through a web browser and run on remote servers. Examples include Gmail, Outlook.com, and Yahoo Mail. With webmail, emails are stored on the provider's servers, and access is possible from any device with an internet connection.

Email clients utilize various protocols to communicate with email servers. The most common are POP3 (Post Office Protocol version 3), IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol), and SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol). POP3 typically downloads emails to the client and may delete them from the server, while IMAP synchronizes emails across multiple devices and keeps them on the server. SMTP is used for sending emails. The choice of email client depends on user preference, operating system, and desired features.