Difference between FTP and SMTP

POP3 is one of two e-mail inbox protocols (POP3: Post Office Protocol version 3; IMAP: internet Message Access Protocol). SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) is used in conjunction with either POP3 or IMAP to allow users to send e-mail addresses as well as receive them. Most web-based e-mail services does this transparently behind their networks and present a fancy UI for users to access their e-mail inboxes. However, you can opt to enable IMAP/POP3 + SMTP if you wish to not have to open up a Web browser every time you want to look at your e-mails, and use a dedicated e-mail program instead (i.e. Microsoft Outlook or Mozilla Thunderbird)