2. Type ‘ftp.anydomain.com’ (substitute with your domain)

3. Click ‘File’ (top left), then ‘Login As’

4. Enter Login Information

Once you are successfully logged in, you now have an FTP connection to the server. To upload and download files, simply drag and drop files (and folders) in and out of this window.

Applications such as Filezilla or SmartFTP have more features, but the Windows FTP will work fine for basic upload and download.

POP3 will allow you to receive and send email from a 3rd party email client installed on your computer, like Microsoft Outlook or Mac Mail. POP3 email client software does need configured per the web host’s guidelines, and will require a username and password to access the email box. Emails are downloaded to your computer, but you do have the option to leave a backup copy on the server.

Webmail on the other hand, does not require client software to be installed, all you need is a typical web browser. The bottom line with Webmail is you access your emails directly on the server, using your web browser to view, send, delete, etc. The emails are not downloaded to your local computer.

So, which one should you use? There are Pros and Cons to each method:

POP3

• Pro: robust functionality in email client – flag, archive, sort, search, easily build filters and rules (including spam control)
• Pro: access previously downloaded emails offline
• Pro: manage multiple email boxes from 1 location, and have full control on how you send emails from your multiple email addresses
• Con: not as quick and easy as webmail, you need to install and configure the software
• Con: you need your computer with your email client to access email

Webmail

• Pro: easy to setup and access – no software install required (just need a web browser)
• Pro: access your email from any computer
• Con: limited functionality
• Con: no offline access to emails – you must be connected to see your email
• Con: most webmail platforms offer very limited rules, filters and spam control

I use POP3 as my primary email access method, but – I also use webmail when I need to. If I am at someone’s house and jump on their PC, I can easily get to my webmail. And, all emails viewed while in webmail are still downloaded to my Outlook POP3 client – so I have a central location for archiving all emails, regardless of where they are viewed initially.