When you send email across the Internet, chances are you’re using SMTP protocols to move your electronic letter from your computer to your intended recipient. The process of relaying email from one point to the other is the job of the SMTP server.

SMTP decoded means Simple Mail Transfer Protocol. If you send an email through a program like MS Outlook, the SMTP server in turn forwards the email to a different server, where a POP or IMAP will retrieve the email. That is the reasoning for the email configurations on programs like MS Outlook where you have to go in and add SMTP, IMAP and/or POP settings.

For obvious reasons (such as it comes included in Windows), Microsoft has the most popular, and free, SMTP server on the market. The free SMTP server supports all email programs that are written for windows, however Microsoft’s Outlook and Outlook Express are best suited. Most users are able to setup and use the included SMTP server pretty quickly and it has become a proven, reliable server.

Having a mobile device capable of supporting SMTP protocols has become the norm in recent years. Being able to check, send and compose emails while on the go has become more prevalent in the business and traveling worlds of today, that not always having the same or any computer available for use is more common than it used to be. Setting up these devices can sometimes frustrate an inexperienced user, however getting help from someone who understands the protocols or even looking at online help forums will usually help you solve any problems you encounter on setup.

It is necessary when you are a travelling professional who does not always use the same pc to have reliable SMTP service. It is not easy for a computer newbie to figure out how to set up laptop SMTP server settings. Settings are unique to each client given their password, username and SMTP address, as well as POP account. There is always sufficient advice available online to assist you in setting up a new account, if you don’t have a computer savvy friend that might be able to assist you in setting up your account.

Some of the best free SMTP mail providers are Gmail, GMX, and HotPoP. Gmail is by far the most popular and known for its speed and reliability. It also has one of the best anti-spam processes available. Note that most of these SMTP services are free.

With the Mozilla Thunderbird client software, it’s easy to configure SMTP services such as Gmail and set up an account. Gmail and Window’s SMTP make up the most popular and safest mail services. There really is no need to pay for a SMTP mail service, because the best are for free!

Get a reliable mobile SMTP service so that sending email from your laptop is hassle free.