PC email programs have two ways to get your mail from the server, called POP and IMAP. Most programs, including Netscape, Mulberry, and Outlook Express, can be configured either way. CUIT supports both.

IMAP keeps the mail folders on the server. It is compatible with Cubmail and Pine. You can switch between different computers, mail programs, Cubmail, and Pine, and they will all show the same mail folders and have the same messages marked as seen. If you want this flexibility, use IMAP.

POP keeps the mail folders on the PC. This has some advantages for speed and of fline use, but requires that you always read mail with the same PC, which may be true if you carry a laptop around, or always read Columbia mail from the office.

Be careful using a mail program on someone else's computer unless you know which protocol it is using. You do not want POP to move your mail to that PC where you cannot get it later from elsewhere. For a quick check of new mail, Cubmail is always safe.