Webmail is a cloud-based service or Web-based email system that allows you to access and use your email from almost anywhere through an internet connection. Unlike Thunderbird or Microsoft Outlook, it does not need software installation. It is a kind of service, which is provided by certain companies and ISPs (Internet service providers).
For people who frequently away from their computers and use multiple devices, Webmail is a great solution for those people. Gmail, Hotmail, and other mainstream providers are the common examples of webmail from Yahoo!, which offer huge amounts of storage, and almost all are free.
Why is webmail so popular?
Webmail accounts allow users to send, reply, read, organize their email into saving attachments and folders without the need of installing or using an email application software like Microsoft Outlook. The webmail service provides you a web page for accessing your email account and holds all of your emails on their computer systems and storage systems.
Are all webmail accounts the same?
Commonly, they are also known as IMAP accounts, as most webmail accounts use IMAP. With a web browser, all webmail accounts cannot be used. IMAP short for Internet Message Access Protocol, which is a kind of email account service. On the email service's computers, this kind of email protocol keeps a master copy of all emails; therefore, it is used by numerous webmail accounts. Without the need for software running the email service, any email account can be accessed by webmail over the internet using a Web browser.
Microsoft Exchange is not IMAP, which is used in business and government as it is a common application. However, a webmail option is included in the Microsoft Exchange, known as OWA (Outlook Web Access).
Advantages of Webmail
1.Convenience:One of the most important advantages of webmail is convenience, which is beneficial at the time when you travel frequently and work from remote locations. With the help of using an internet connection, you can access and use it through any computer. Public access terminals like libraries and hotels are included in it. No matter where you access your account because all your messages will be stored centrally; hence, you can review all your messages.
2.Cost:Usually, big providers provide basic webmail services free of cost. Also, some premium services are also offered by some providers.
3.Retain Your Address:Another benefit of webmail is that you do not need to change your old email address, even if you have changed Internet providers. That allows you to restore your old contacts, and when your contacts are trying to get in touch with you, they do not need to worry about all of your contacts remembering your latest address.
4.Large Storage:One of the biggest advantages of webmail is storage capacity. It means the storage in gigabytes or unlimited storage is offered by big webmail providers that allows you to save a large number of messages as well as large attachments. Therefore, freeing up space for other things, you do not require to keep all that data on your own computer.
Disadvantages of Webmail
1.Personal Name:You may be unable to create an address on webmail using the name you had in mind or your own name as it has a large customer base. Whenever you try to create an address on webmail with your own name, it may be this name has taken by another one. Therefore, you cannot address using your own name. You can create an address with a memorable and simple email address that is available. Also, using webmail for business purpose may be a disadvantage because it is considered by many people that the webmail addresses is unprofessional.
2.No Offline Working:Although broadband becomes more appropriate in terms of reliability, both are required to connect your device with the network to write, send messages, and as well as review messages. This means you will be unable to look at old emails if you are not connected to the internet, and even you cannot download your latest messages. Thus, a message cannot be composed offline and then connect and send it.
3.More Spam:Because of spammers' large customer base, they tend to target webmail services more as compared to traditional providers. Therefore, the spammer can find your address and bombard you even if you are cautious not to sign up for commercial services.
4.Ads:From advertisers, webmail providers have to get their revenue as you are using the service for free of cost. That means you are not allowed to carry personalized advertising, something traditional email services, and even you will have to put up with banners.
