Web Hosts supplying Web Based Email Access
Web based email access allows you to read and send emails without using an email software program like Outlook Express.
Most web hosting providers will supply you with web based email access through the provided control panel. The most popular control panel, cPanel, comes with several web email solutions namely Horde Webmail and SquirrelMail.
Web Based Email Access for Free
Web based email access is included free with almost all web hosting accounts, but check with your hosting provider if you are unsure. To access webmail in cPanel simply click the Webmail icon after logging into your control panel. On the next screen click the Go To Webmail Login link. You are now presented with several options:
- Horde - web based email client
- SquirrelMail - web based email client
- Round Cube Webmail - web based email client
- Configure Mail Client - Lets cPanel auto configure email settings in Microsoft Outlook, Outlook Express and Mac Mail. You can use this instead of manually setting up in these programs, unfortunately Thunderbird is not yet supported.
- BoxTrapper - an email verification system that is used to prevent spam.
- Email Delivery Route - View how your mail server delivers mail to a specific address. Type an email address in the box to see the route. An email delivery route is the path an email takes to get to or from your email to the destination email address.
As you can see there are three choices as to which email interface you prefer, those being Horde, SquirrelMail and the newer RoundCube Webmail. They all perform the same purpose but the interface may vary so it is worth trying all three to see which suits you.
Another advantage to webmail is if several people need to access the email address such as in an organization. Rather than one person downloading emails, they will remain on the server for other people to view.
It is important to remember to always log out of webmail when you have finished, particularly when using a public computer as the next person the computer may be able to see your account if you are still logged in.